Even the rain could not ruin a special trip for Fountain Hills High School teacher Jamie Sunshine, who spent the weekend of May 18 in New York City to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with EF Educational Tours.

It was one of Sunshine’s own students who nominated the teacher for the honor of going to New York City and illuminating the Empire State Building in the color pink, the color of EF.

“Sunny always stands up for his students,” the nomination read. “I'm pretty sure the man has not had one lunch break alone in the last 15 or so years he has been at Fountain Hills; everyone always arrives to his classroom during lunch to get his insight or advice whether it be on college apps, essay help and, his specialty, the ‘what am I going to do with my life?!’ student breakdowns.”

The trip to New York started on Friday, May 18. The day served mostly as a travel day for Sunshine but ended with A VIP tour of the Empire State Building, all the way to the top.

It was at the top that Sunshine was able to flip the switch that lit up the New York landmark pink, a special moment for everyone.

“Being at the top of the Empire State Building was a lot of fun,” Sunshine said. “The view was incredible but who doesn't expect that when perched at the top of the building King Kong made famous? The lighting was a nice gesture and made us all feel a bit special.”

The next day was a chance for Sunshine and the four other teachers selected to go on the trip to explore the city, something that, despite a previous trip to The Big Apple, Sunshine hasn’t been able to do.

The day began in Central Park, which Sunshine said was a highlight.

“My favorite moment was wandering Central Park,” Sunshine said. “We saw where John Lennon's memorial stands, dipped a bit into the labyrinth of the true park without getting lost, and really saw how much more than a park this place was. It was the type of moment you'd expect on an EF Tour; one we've had in Europe, but never here in the USA.”

After Central Perk Sunshine and his group went to explore Fifth Avenue, an area that “none of us there could afford to shop in,” according to Sunshine, and ended the tour with a visit to Rockefeller Center.

That night the group of teachers also got to take in a Broadway show, “School of Rock.” Sunday was another travel day for Sunshine to return home.

The Fountain Hills teacher found the trip to be an amazing experience that he was able to learn from.

“New York City was incredible,” Sunshine said. “I've never been there before for a walking tour and I've never experienced the subways until this weekend. Weather didn’t help – as it rained the entire time, just about – but we still managed to have a good time and meeting the four other teachers who were also selected was a true honor. To see what made them their students’ chosen one was inspiring.”

Along with sending Sunshine to New York City, EF Educational Tours also donated $1,000 to Fountain Hills High School.