MARATHON, NY (607NewsNow) — A teacher in the Marathon Central School District is a finalist.

Bill Perks made it to the top 10 in the Kleenex “Heroes of the Classroom” contest. The nationwide contest honors teachers who’ve made a big impact on their students. The district calls that an “apt description” for Perks, who’s been described as “one of the best” and a “huge inspiration.” Perks says he’s a teacher because “to see a student believe in themselves is truly special,” the district said.

The grand prize is $10,000 for the teacher, $5,000 for the school, and a year’s supply of Kleenex tissues for the school.

Voting at Heroes of the Classroom website ends Oct. 22.