The Plymouth County Teachers Federal Credit Union surprised Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School math teacher Richard Stewart with a check for $300 Tuesday. It was the first of the credit union's Adopt-A-Class raffles.

Teachers are eligible to receive up to $1,000 when they refer members, or are referred themselves, to the credit union, said Pam Burns, marketing administrator for the Plymouth County Teachers Federal Credit Union. The teachers' names are entered into a drawing, and prizes are awarded based on how many members a particular member referred.

“We're very excited about Mr. Stewart winning that $300 check," said Upper Cape Tech Superintendent Kevin Farr. "I think he's already having thoughts about how he'd like to spend it!"

Burns and Christian Fernandes, education coordinator for Wareham Community Television, burst into Stewart's classroom Tuesday to present him with the check.

"I felt like Ed McMahon," Burns said with a laugh.

The Adopt-A-Class program goes until June 1. The credit union is open to all school employees in Plymouth County, and anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Wareham.

"The credit union is here to help the teachers, and give back to the community," Burns said.