D'Angelo Named Grand Prize Teacher in Kleenex Contest
News related to:Campus Multimedia · 2 min read
NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., Nov. 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Britini D'Angelo, an elementary school educator at Henry J. Kalfas Elementary School, has been named the Grand Prize Winner of the 2026 Kleenex® Heroes of the Classroom Contest, presented in partnership with Campus Multimedia. D'Angelo received this prestigious award through a nationwide public vote after being chosen as one of 10 national finalists from thousands of nominations across the United States.
The prize includes a $10,000 check for D'Angelo and a $5,000 donation for Henry J. Kalfas Elementary School, along with a year's supply of Kleenex® Brand tissues. Additionally, D'Angelo's nominator, Cathy D'Angelo, will receive a $1,000 Costco Shop Card. The Kleenex® Heroes of the Classroom program, now in its third year, honors educators who make a positive impact on the lives of others and create lasting change.
D'Angelo's dedication to her students is evident in her teaching at the school. She teaches an 8:1:3 specialized 1st grade classroom, where the phrase "can't" is simply not applicable. D'Angelo was diagnosed with autism at the age of 22 months old, and she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her teaching. She pairs high expectations with individualized instruction, helping her students achieve significant academic gains while fostering self-advocacy and a sense of belonging.
"This isn't just a job to me," D'Angelo said.
D'Angelo's advocacy extends beyond the school day. She spends evenings developing custom visual schedules and intervention materials, champions her students' needs through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and promotes the idea that human brains vary naturally and that differences in thinking, learning, and behavior are normal human diversity rather than deficits or disorders that need to be cured.
Cathy D'Angelo, who submitted her daughter for the award, described the impact of her daughter's teaching.
D'Angelo's achievements have not gone unnoticed. Campus Multimedia, the nation's leader in brand activation for K-12 schools, presented the award. By connecting their network of over 84,000 schools with aligned brands, Campus Multimedia provides resources, recognition, and revenue to strengthen school communities. Their turnkey programs empower schools while helping brands create authentic local connections that drive engagement and lifelong loyalty.
The Kleenex® Heroes of the Classroom program is a testament to the positive impact educators can have on the lives of others. D'Angelo's story highlights the importance of educators who make a difference in the classroom and beyond. Her dedication, combined with her innovative teaching methods and commitment to her students, earned her the grand prize and a significant impact on her school and community.