Niagara Falls Teacher Britini D'Angelo Named Grand Prize Winner in Heroes of the Classroom Contest Presented by Kleenex®

Henry J. Kalfas Elementary School educator wins $10,000 Grand Prize, plus $5,000 and a year's supply of Kleenex® Brand tissues for her school

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry J. Kalfas Elementary School teacher Britini D'Angelo has been named the Grand Prize Winner of the 2026 Kleenex® Heroes of the Classroom Contest, presented in partnership with Campus Multimedia. D'Angelo earned top honors through a nationwide public vote after being chosen as one of 10 national finalists from thousands of nominations across the United States.

As the grand prize recipient, D'Angelo receives a $10,000 check, while Henry J. Kalfas Elementary School receives a $5,000 donation and a year's supply of Kleenex® Brand tissues. In addition, her nominator, Cathy D'Angelo, will receive a $1,000 Costco Shop Card. Now in its third year, the Kleenex® Heroes of the Classroom program honors educators who make a positive impact on the lives of others and create lasting change.

Teaching with high expectations and lived experience 
At Kalfas Elementary School, D'Angelo teaches an 8:1:3 specialized 1st grade classroom where the word "can't" simply does not exist. Diagnosed with autism at 22 months old, she teaches from both professional expertise and lived experience, serving as living proof that disability is never a limitation. She pairs high expectations with individualized instruction, helping her students achieve major academic gains while fostering self-advocacy and belonging.

"This isn't just a job to me. It's personal," said Britini D'Angelo. "I know what it's like to need someone in your corner, believing in you before you even believe in yourself, and that's exactly what I try to be for my students. It's why I never give up on them, no matter how long it takes. Every hug, every 'aha' moment, every win we fight for together reminds me I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be."

A tireless advocate in the classroom and online
D'Angelo's dedication extends far 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 concept 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.

"Britini brings her students home with her in the best possible way, constantly thinking about how she can better support each child's individual needs," said Cathy D'Angelo, who submitted Britini for the award. "If one of her students is struggling, Britini spends her evenings researching evidence-based strategies and creating custom materials so they can succeed. She never settles for 'good enough.' As her mother, watching Britini grow into the educator, advocate, and role model she has become has been one of the greatest privileges of my life."

Read more about Britini D'Angelo at HeroesoftheClassroom.com.

About Campus Multimedia
Campus Multimedia is the nation's leader in brand activation for K-12 schools. By connecting our network of over 84,000 schools with aligned brands, we provide resources, recognition, and revenue to strengthen school communities. Our turnkey programs empower schools while helping brands create authentic local connections that drive engagement and lifelong loyalty.

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SOURCE Campus Multimedia