Stanley Auto Group is once again honoring local educators with its annual Teacher Appreciation Event on Tuesday, May 5, "continuing a tradition that has brought gratitude, recognition, and community support to teachers across Downeast Maine for more than 20 years," said Stanley Auto Group, in a news release.

Throughout the first week of May, Stanley Subaru and Stanley Chevrolet will deliver care packages, gifts, and words of appreciation to teachers across the region as part of Stanley Auto Group’s ongoing Teacher Appreciation initiative.

Each year, Stanley also selects two schools for special in-person presentations to recognize the outstanding work of their teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week.

This year, Stanley Chevrolet has selected Ames Elementary School, in Searsmont, for their 2026 Teacher Appreciation Day spotlight visit, and Stanley Subaru has selected Beech Hill School in Otis. On Tuesday, May 5, Stanley team members will visit each school to present faculty and staff with care packages and community recognition in celebration of their commitment to local students and families. The Ames Elementary presentation will take place during a school assembly at 9:30 a.m., and the Beech Hill School presentation will be held during a school assembly at 2 p.m.

"Over the past two decades, Stanley Auto Group has delivered more than 22,000 care packages to educators throughout the community, and this year the team is proud to continue that tradition by visiting more than 40 local schools across the region," said  Stanley Auto Group.

Teachers will receive care packages filled with gifts of appreciation including tumblers, totes, flowers, gift cards, swag, and certificates for complimentary oil changes and vehicle inspections. As part of this annual event, all teachers in Stanley Auto Group’s service areas can also receive a free oil change and complimentary vehicle inspection from May 1 through May 31 by presenting a valid school ID at either Stanley Subaru, located at 22 Bar Harbor Road in Ellsworth, or Stanley Chevrolet, located at 6 Belmont Avenue in Belfast.

“Teachers play such an important role in shaping our communities, and this is one of our favorite traditions every year,” said Mark Politte, owner of Stanley Subaru and Stanley Chevrolet, in the news release. “Their dedication, patience, and commitment to students deserve to be recognized and celebrated. We are proud to continue this tradition and show our appreciation for the educators who make such a lasting impact across our communities.”

Stanley Auto Group’s Teacher Appreciation Event is made possible with support from community partners, including The Bud Connection, Hannaford Supermarkets, and other local businesses.

"For Stanley Auto Group, Teacher Appreciation Week remains one of the most meaningful opportunities each year to give back to the educators who give so much to the communities they serve," said the news release.