CLEVELAND, OH - April 8th, 2008 - Each month the Cleveland Cavaliers award a teacher and a student for their outstanding achievements through the team's Head of the Class and All-Star Kids program. The Cavs recognize the winners with a surprise visit to their schools and a special presentation during Cavaliers games at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Head of the Class program, presented by Developers Diversified Realty, recognizes teachers in Northeast Ohio for making a difference in their students’ lives both inside and outside the classroom. Teachers are nominated by their principals or peers, and the winners are chosen based on their outstanding contributions to education.

For the month of April, the Cavaliers recognized Tari Mackanos, a 6th grade Reading and Social Studies teacher at Independence Middle School, as the Head of the Class winner at their game vs. Chicago Bulls on Thursday, April 3rd.

The All-Star Kids program, presented by Cuyahoga Community College, recognizes middle school students in Northeast Ohio who are setting a positive example for their peers through solid academic achievement or significant improvement in the classroom, positive attitude, good citizenship and community involvement.

Branden Nehez, a 6th grade student from Washington Park Community School in Cleveland, was selected as the All-Star Kids winner and recognized at the Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic game on Saturday, April 5th.

Cavaliers legend Campy Russell, Cavaliers on-court host Ahmaad Crump and team mascot Moondog made a surprise visit to each recipient’s school to honor them for their accomplishments in front of their peers and classmates.

Developers Diversified Realty is an international real estate investment trust headquartered in Cleveland which acquires, develops and leases shopping centers. Developers Diversified owns and manages 735 shopping centers throughout the United States and internationally, including 15 shopping centers in the Cleveland area.