Lee Ann Canzano received two tickets to the Super Bowl courtesy of the New England Patriots at Tilton School on Friday, Dec. 15. (Courtesy photograph)
Tilton math teacher Lee Ann Canzano is headed to the Super Bowl courtesy of the NFL and the New England Patriots.
The Sandown, N.H., resident was named runner-up in 2016’s The Hall at Patriots Place STEM Teacher of the Year competition, which recognizes teachers who make an impact in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Receiving $1,000 for her efforts, Canzano had no idea that wasn’t the only prize the Patriots had in store for her.
On Friday, Canzano was again lauded by the Pats—with two tickets to Super Bowl LII. Tilton principal Bonnie Antkowiak was among a select few aware of what was planned for Canzano, who was leading a professional development meeting when she was surprised by mascot Pat Patriot and team cheerleaders.
As Canzano tells WHAV, the moment was a big blur of excitement.
“All of a sudden these fourth graders started filing in, all quiet and sitting in the chairs. I had an idea something was up, obviously, but I couldn’t imagine what it could be,” she said. “Then the cheerleaders and Pat Patriot came in and the rest was a blur because I was so shocked. I couldn’t even process what was going on.”
Canzano’s tickets, awarded for her excellence in teaching, were among five pairs the Patriots and each of the league’s 32 teams distributed locally. She plans to bring her “thrilled” husband Marc along for what will be her very first NFL game.
“I always watched the Patriots in my living room. I’ve never been able to go to a game, so for my first game to be a Super Bowl game is amazing,” she said.
The Patriots became the AFC East champions Sunday after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24. They’ll face the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 24. Super Bowl LII kicks off in Minneapolis on Feb. 4.