JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Reliant Roofing, Solar, & Hurricane Shutters (Reliant) of Jacksonville, Fla., is partnering with the roofing manufacturer, GAF, to give three Jacksonville teachers new roofs.

“The 2020 to 2021 school year has posed several challenges for educators," said Cameron Shouppe, president and co-founder. "We are extremely grateful for their work ethic and determination to continue quality education, even in difficult circumstances, for all of our children.”

After receiving over 100 nominations, Reliant has selected the three recipients as part of its annual Every Shingle Hearts Initiative: Michelle Wadsworth, Jerry Langford and Sherrie Fekete. Reliant will be giving these three teachers the new roofs between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year and will include all labor and materials.

Wadsworth is a math interventionist at Ramona Boulevard Elementary and The Bridge to Success Academy. She has been teaching for 26 years working with a wide variety of students of different ages and abilities. Numerous friends and family members nominated her for the roof giveaway. Wadsworth is a single mother of two. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances, she has taken in her friend’s daughter and her three children. Wadsworth also recently took in her nephew. During the summer, Wadsworth often opens her home to students for free so that parents can go to work. Many stated that Wadsworth is the most “generous person anyone could meet.”

Langford, a physics and forensic science teacher at Sandalwood High School, has been a teacher for 31 years. His passion has always been to help inspire students to pursue engineering and other science-based careers. Langford's brother stated, “Being that Jerry is in a wheelchair, he lacks the ability to get up on the roof and clear branches and debris. When that is needed, he calls me. Over the years the roof has begun to deteriorate badly.” According to the inspection Reliant performed, the roof has several leaks and is causing damage to the home.

Fekete, a pre-K to second-grade teacher at Seaside Charter North Campus, has been a teacher for approximately 19 years. She is a mother of three. She received over 25 nominations from friends, family, colleagues, and past students. One coworker said, “Sherrie Fekete is the kindest and humble teacher that I have ever worked with. She and her family are always the first people to step up to help out the school or any family/student in need. She gives selflessly without ever expecting anything in return.”

“These roofs will have the best materials on the market today and will come with a GAF 25-year warranty, along with a lifetime workmanship warranty,” said Sean Shapiro, CEO of Reliant. “My wife has been an elementary school teacher for many years, so I know personally how hardworking and selfless these individuals are in our community. They deserve the very best roofing system we can give them.”