The contest, which ran through November and December, 2013, was open to all K-12 teachers. Contestants were invited to complete an online form and write a short paragraph entitled: "Why We Should Stock Your Classroom Supply Closet." In describing the Students Monitoring Ocean Response to Eutrophication (SMORE) project she has been involved with, Joy McCook wrote: "I am a very hands-on teacher and feel that science is a subject that most students learn best from doing and experiencing. I have tried to do as many contests as possible to help get the supplies that we need to use in our project room for students who cannot afford the basic supplies for projects. We strongly believe that no student should be discriminated against or feel left out or behind due to them not having enough money to buy the supplies for a project."

Sandusky Lee has been providing quality and innovative storage solutions for over 70 years. Made in the USA, its products come with an exclusive 25 year complimentary extended warranty available only from Hertz Furniture. The prize money will also be used to help students who cannot afford supplies participate in the project, while the classroom will serve as an after-school tutoring room for students who need additional help or access to a computer.

Upon being declared the Classroom Supplies Contest winner, Joy had this to say: "WOW! It is such an honor to win! I am so excited and I cannot wait to go and tell the rest of the group that has been hard at work on this idea with me. The students and staff at Bradwell Institute want to say a huge thank you to all of you!"

"Congratulations to our Classroom Supplies Contest winners," says Hertz Furniture President Saul Wagner. "At a time when teachers are spending over $900 out-of-pocket annually on classroom materials, Hertz Furniture is proud to partner with educators and offer real-time assistance in the form of high-quality, affordable school furniture and equipment. We look forward to announcing our next promotion."

About Hertz Furniture: For over 45 years Hertz Furniture has supplied schools, religious institutions, businesses and government offices with top quality commercial furniture and superior customer service. Speedy Quotes, Quick Ship products, a wide selection of Eco-Friendly furniture, a free Project Planning and Design service and the best warranties in the industry are just a few of the ways that Hertz Furniture provides added value to its customers. For additional information on Hertz Furniture and its extensive line of products, please visit Hertz Furniture, speak to a furniture specialist at 888-802-6549, or send an email to jonathanyunger@hertzfurniture.com.