Smiles were seen on the teachers' faces Thursday as Burnet Middle School celebrated a $10,000 donation from Netspend and the Austin FC Soccer club. 

Austin FC, Austin’s professional soccer club, and its new founding partner Netspend donated the funds to show their support to the Austin community and AISD.

“We are strengthening our bond together,” said Principal Marvelia De La Rosa. “Both of us are dedicated to helping our students and our community succeed. We have the Burnet slogan ‘Putting unity into Community,’ and Austin FC and Netspend are modeling this for us. Our community is honored to be partnered with them.”

The money from the donation will go to teachers who Principal De La Rosa says have excelled even during these difficult times. Staff was also treated to a free pizza lunch at the outdoors announcement celebration Thursday, Oct. 22.

"Our Burnet staff has excelled. They have the heart and the passion, but they're truly showing their love for the community, and this donation itself is just a big uplifting moment for all of us here,” she said