BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Bay Minette Middle School teacher and Technology Student Association sponsor Bill Allen has been named the RBC Bank Teacher of the Year.

As part of the honor, he was presented $500 during the school’s Honors Day on Friday.

According to a news release, Allen is one of 50 educators across the Southeast to be honored by RBC Bank.

During Friday’s ceremony, Allen recognized others when asked about the award at a recent TSA fundraiser.

“It’s because of submissions by the parents of TSA students that I won this award,” he said.

Allen’s honor came after parents sent nominations to RBC Bank so that teachers could receive funding for some of their projects, according to information provided by Sam Morgart of RBC Bank.

Those nominations touted Allen’s efforts.

“This teacher has worked so hard to get his class and Bay Minette Middle School where they are today,” stated one parent submission, “He puts in time before and after school. He works well with the parents. All of my children have learned a lot from him. … If we only had more teachers like this teacher, then I would never worry about my children and their education.”

Another parent wrote, “He can call all of them (the students) by name and tell you what areas they are great in. He is wonderful to work with, and I am glad to call him a friend — not just a teacher I know.”

RBC Bank will hold another competition in the fall and distribute another $25,000, with two of the winners receiving an additional $2,000 school-supply shopping spree, according to the news release.

To nominate a teacher for the upcoming competition, visit www.rbcbankusa.com/tribute.