Christmas came early for a teacher who became the lucky winner of a contest at Palisades Mazda.

Mike D'Abruzzo, who teaches animal science at Southern Westchester BOCES. D'Abruzzo drove off the lot at Mazda Monday with a brand-new fully loaded 2021 CX5.

D'Abruzzo entered the contest after his wife heard that the dealership was having a contest to honor teachers. His wife entered him by writing an essay about his love for teaching.

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D'Abruzzo says the gift couldn't have come at a better time for him.

"This is life changing right now," says D'Abruzzo. "Makes us overall a happier family with one less thing we have to stress about."

The owners at Palisades Mazda say they wanted to honor teachers who went beyond the call of duty during the pandemic.

Five other teachers won $500.