Castaic teacher surprised with $100,000 check from Farmers Insurance

CASTAIC, Calif. (KABC) -- While everyone at Castaic Middle School was already excited for the annual Turkey Bowl pep rally, the crowd got even louder when teacher Ro Osano was presented with a $100,000 check from Farmers Insurance.

Osano was one of five teachers across the country who won after participating in the Dream Big Teacher Challenge.

He had no idea he had won until the morning of the rally.

"I'm just awed right now," Osano said. "I didn't expect anything. I was coming today to do the normal pep rally and get ready for Thanksgiving."

Osano teaches the CMSTV program, which is designed to help middle school students learn about television and media arts careers.

In his class of 31 students, he only has eight "outdated" computers available for them to use.

"They're very excited and want to learn how to make videos, but the problem is the computers slow them down," Osano said.

The $100,000 grant will now go towards establishing the CMSTV program as a staple in the school community by expanding the media production resources at the school.

His students are excited about what they will be able to do with this new funding.

"I think we're going to be able to do lots of cool things with this grant," student Jessica Schubert said. "I just can't wait to start learning all the new bits and tips of new computers and cameras."

Osano has taught at Castaic Middle School for 25 years as a media arts and United States History teacher.