A major retailer has named a Harry S. Truman High School instructor a local Teacher of the Year thanks to a student's heartfelt endorsement.

Wal-Mart awarded math teacher Eddie Rodriguez the honor after a student left a nomination in a box at a White Plains store. Students say he goes above and beyond the call of duty by helping them on a personal level.

The retailer gave Rodriguez a $100 gift card for supplies and awarded the school a $1,000 grant. Rodriguez is now eligible to compete in the store's national teacher search.