As an offensive lineman, Andrew Thomas knows all about the dirty work that sometimes gets overlooked.

That is why he was more than happy to present Mark Richards with the Educator of the Year Award.

The New York Giants and New Jersey Education Association recently celebrated Read Across America Day at Wahlstrom Academy in East Orange, N.J., where they honored Richards with a $2,500 donation to his education association.

For 35 years, Richards has been enhancing the lives of students and staff in East Orange Public Schools. Born and raised there, Richards currently serves as a buildings and grounds employee, but he has worked in many capacities over the past four decades, including security and maintenance.

"I take pride in making the outdoor spaces inviting and beautiful," Richards, who also received tickets to a Giants game last season and was featured on the videoboards, told the NJEA Review. "I stay on site until every detail is perfect. I get the fields ready for various sporting activities, but my favorite time of year is preparing for graduation. I see the students' hope and the possibilities for the future. That feeling of optimism and excitement never wears off. Every year, I get emotional preparing the space where students will walk into their futures." 

Steve Beatty, NJEA President, and Petal Robertson, NJEA Vice President, attended the special event, along with football players from East Orange High School.

Richards was selected as part of the Educator of the Week Program, which runs through the season. Each weekly honoree received a $1,000 donation and tickets to a home game. Below are the other Educator of the Week honorees:

• Angela DeLuccia - Sparta Township Board of Education
• Elizabeth Gorka - Sayreville Education Association
• Patricia Guerra-Frazier – Burnet Middle School
• Cathy Hurley - William Sherman Midtown School
• Teresa Johnson - Delsea Regional High School
• Jacqueline Kruzik - Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District
• Judy Martinez - Trenton Education Secretary Association
• Linda Miller - MLK PS #11
• Marisol Mondaca - Red Bank Regional Education Association
• Rosa Morgan - Sayreville School District
• Christine Nagy - Middletown High School South
• Dayna Orlak - Waldwick High School
• Stacey Sweeny - Atlantic City Education Association
• Stacy Yanko - Hopatcong Office Personnel Association