WNY Teacher Awarded New Hyundai Kona in Salute to Heroes Program

Rebecca Roll, a dedicated elementary school teacher from Buffalo, received a brand-new 2026 Hyundai Kona on Monday as part of the Buffalo Hyundai Dealers' annual Salute to Heroes program.

 

The award ceremony took place at Maryvale Union Free School District on Nagel Drive, where Roll was surprised with the vehicle.

 

Expressing her astonishment, she said, "Completely unexpected. I knew we had a gratitude assembly. I just assumed it was for Thanksgiving for November and unbeknownst to me, I just won a car!"

 

Beyond her teaching duties, Roll is a longtime volunteer who runs Lyme WNY, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

 

She founded the group after her husband's years-long struggle to get a proper Lyme disease diagnosis.

 

For more than nine years, Roll has organized monthly support meetings at a local fire hall, helping hundreds of people navigate treatment, access resources, and find hope.

 

She also educates the public about Lyme disease prevention and has arranged fundraisers to provide grants for individuals in the group who need help covering testing and treatment costs, which are often not covered by insurance.

 

In addition to her advocacy work, Roll is a full-time elementary school teacher and mother of two, embodying the spirit of selflessness and dedication.

 

Reflecting on her community involvement, she stated, "Giving back to the community is probably one of the most rewarding feelings you can have in the entire world."

 

The Salute to Heroes program, launched in 2021 and brought to the Western New York region by the Buffalo Hyundai Dealers, recognizes ordinary people who selflessly do extraordinary things for their communities.

 

The 2025 award included the $30,000 vehicle as well as all taxes and fees.

 

Nominees for the program were submitted through essays describing why they deserved a new car.

 

Anyone at least 18 years old living in the Buffalo DMA counties was eligible to enter.

 

The Buffalo Hyundai Dealers say the program is their way of acknowledging the everyday heroes whose efforts make a real difference in local communities.

 

In related news, the Maryvale Union Free School District recently completed a significant upgrade to its facilities.

 

As part of the district's 2021 Capital Improvement Plan, a new state-of-the-art gymnasium was constructed, featuring a second-floor running track, modern locker and team rooms, a fitness center, concessions area, multipurpose rooms, and dedicated spaces for conferences and film sessions.

 

Construction began in March 2023 and concluded in November 2024, enhancing the school's infrastructure and providing students with improved amenities.

 

Additionally, the district has been proactive in addressing student safety and well-being.

 

On November 6, 2025, Maryvale Middle School hosted a watch group for a virtual presentation by the FBI Buffalo office, focusing on the dangers of youth connecting with unknown individuals online.

 

The event aimed to educate parents and educators on preventing children from becoming victims of online exploitation.

 

These initiatives underscore the district's commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for its students and the broader community.