Buffalo Bills wide receiver David Nelson paid a special visit Wednesday to the 2011 M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers winner and select students at Orchard Park High School.
M&T Bank's Touchdown for Teachers is a popular community recognition program, highlighting select teachers for their outstanding service to their schools and communities.
Agnello is the 3rd Annual M&T Bank Touchdown for Teachers grand prize winner. After 36 years, Agnello is recently retired. He was recognized for his community service work with Orchard Park High School both at home and overseas.
Currently, Agnello is part of a community outreach project focusing on building six schools for children in Afghanistan.
"We regularly do local community outreach," said Agnello. "We've worked with the City Mission, Woman's Shelter…we're going to be doing something with the Homeward Bound Project as well as refurbishing a home for an Iraqi family… but our big issue is we've funded the construction of six schools in Afghanistan, and that's our focus."
Special guest David Nelson took part in an open forum discussion with the students, as attendees and teachers asked him a variety of questions. Among the panel of guests were members from the Buffalo Bills front offices and M&T Bank.
Nelson presented Agnello and Orchard Park High School with a check for $1,000 from M&T Bank and the Buffalo Bills. Agnello plans to continue community outreach efforts with the grant.
"Our mission statement is lending a helping hand at home and in the global community," said Agnello. "The award I'm going to transfer right to educational outreach to continue our outreach locally and internationally."
Nelson finds a passion for working on community projects off the field, and enjoys serving as a role model to young people in whatever way he can.
"I know how important it is to have somebody to ask questions to, to get a feel for what they did to get to where they are now," said Nelson. "I was here to be a guiding light to them whatever way I can. Anytime I can help young people aspire to be successful, I'm here for that."
