After hundreds of worthy nominations and votes, the 2024 Hyundai Hometown Hero has been chosen. “There were so many amazing individuals in our communities, in the Puget Sound Region, and we clearly picked an amazing person,” said Jim Koch of the Western Washington Hyundai Dealers. Winner Ryan Lopez was surprised by Jim and Amity at Maplewood Elementary where he teaches. His students cheered him on as he was awarded a new 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe. “I can’t say enough about all of the people who have supported me throughout my career and what I’ve tried to do,” Ryan said. Ryan strives to provide a welcoming classroom environment and creates engaging activities and experiments for students often. He is dedicated to making a positive impact on students throughout the entire elementary school. Ryan’s students, their parents and colleagues appreciate how much Ryan does to give back to the school. “Ryan Lopez, before he’s an amazing, incredible teacher, he’s an amazing, incredible human being,” said Susan Walton, Maplewood Elementary principal. “The love and devotion he has to our students is not just in his classroom. Every student in our school is impacted by Ryan.” The new Santa Fe will be put to good use as Ryan travels to support students, including attending many sporting events outside of school. “They really understand that I’m about them and how I can support them, whether it’s before school or after school, during school,” Ryan said. Ryan is honored to be the 2024 Hyundai Hometown Hero and to have reconnected with many people along the way. “I’m super overwhelmed and just super appreciative of all the people that nominated, voted and supported,” he said. “And also, the reconnections I’ve had with everybody that I’ll be following up with, whether it was in Sumner or Bethel or Puyallup.” Congratulations, Ryan! To learn more about his new car, the Santa Fe, visit the Hyundai website. Sponsored by Western Washington Hyundai Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.