Stanley Koba from Howell High School in Farmingdale, New Jersey, has earned the title of “Teacher of the Year” from Barnes & Noble.

Koba, who was nominated by a student named Abigail Thompson, was chosen from more than 14,000 writing submissions to the “Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest.” To participate in the contest, students had to write an essay, poem or thank you letter to a teacher who has had a positive influence on their life, and then turn it in at a Barnes & Noble store.

Aside from winning a flattering title, Koba also gets a $5,000 award and will be honored at an event at the Barnes & Noble in Farmingdale. Thompson’s winning essay will be published in a hardcover edition through Tikatok.com, and Koba will get five copies of the book, as well as a $250 gift card to the DIY children’s publishing site. In addition, Howell High will also get $5,000 in prize money.