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WATERBURY, Vt.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--As the school year gets underway, itas the perfect time to recognize a few good apples in the classroom. For the second straight year, Green Mountain Naturals is searching for Americaas most inspirational teacher with its [ Apple for a Teacher ] contest. The winning teacher will receive a $10,000 grant to his or her school to continue the great work he or she does every day.

"Overall, my motto during this process has been and continues to be, aThank you for believing in the power of education,a"

aEveryone has a teacher who has changed their lives for the better,a says T.J. Whalen, VP of Marketing and Sales, GMCR's Specialty Coffee business unit. aWhether itas your old high school Spanish teacher or your childas art instructor, celebrating inspirational teachers who have had a lasting, positive impact on the lives of their students with a nomination in the Apple for a Teacher contest is a simple way to show your appreciation for their work.a

Last year's Apple for a Teacher contest collected hundreds of nominations that resulted in one inspirational winner. As voted upon by the Green Mountain Naturals Facebook community, Jennifer Kelsey of Camden Intermediate School in Camden, North Carolina, was named Americaas Most Inspirational Teacher in 2011. Kelsey was nominated by a colleague for her hard work and astounding dedication to her students inside and outside of the classroom.

aOverall, my motto during this process has been and continues to be, aThank you for believing in the power of education,aa says Kelsey. aUpon receiving the grant money from Green Mountain Naturals last year, we were able to fund a number of wonderful projects in my school and in the district. For example, we took each of my students and their families on a field trip to Washington, D.C. This truly was a trip of a lifetime for many of my students who have not traveled out of North Carolina or neighboring Virginia.a

Helping in the search for Americaas Most Inspirational Teacher is as easy as saying the ABCs:

A. From September 28 through October 19, 2012, fans are invited to nominate a teacher that has inspired them or their children at the contest tab on the [ Green Mountain Naturals Facebook ]page.

B. An expert panel, including Kristen Doyle of Dine & Dish, Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr., Superintendent of Southington, CT Public Schools, and last yearas Most Inspirational Teacher, Jennifer Kelsey, will review entries and narrow it down to the top five finalists.

C. Five teacher finalists will be announced on November 5, 2012. The finalists will win a Keurig brewer and Hot Apple Cider K-Cup packs. The nominated teacher will also receive the opportunity to donate a prize package to a school of his/her choice, including: a $1,000 Apple gift card, Keurig brewer, and Hot Apple Cider K-Cup packs. If your nominated teacher is selected as a finalist, you will receive a Keurig brewer and Hot Apple Cider K-Cup packs.

D. Green Mountain Naturals Facebook fans are then invited to vote for Americaas Most Inspiring Teacher, who will receive a $10,000 grant to his/her school of choice and a one yearas supply of Hot Apple Cider K-Cup packs from Green Mountain Naturals. If your nominated teacher is selected as the winner, you will receive a finalist nominator prize pack plus a $100 Apple gift card.

Visit [ http://www.facebook.com/GreenMountainNaturals ] for more information and to nominate someone today!

Green Mountain Naturals is a harvest of family-friendly drinks made with fruit a" the kind youad find overflowing from baskets at your local farmers market. Hot Apple Cider from Green Mountain Naturals puts a new spin on a familiar favorite. The fresh, juicy goodness of sweet orchard apples is captured in convenient K-Cup packs. Within seconds, you get a warm, comforting mug with a hint of brown sugar and just a touch of cinnamon flavor. Green Mountain Naturals is part of the family of brands in GMCRas Specialty Coffee Business Unit.

About Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR)

As a leader in specialty coffee and coffee makers, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) is recognized for its award-winning coffees, innovative brewing technology, and socially responsible business practices. GMCR supports local and global communities by offsetting 100% of its direct greenhouse gas emissions, investing in sustainably-grown coffee, and allocating a portion of its pre-tax profits to socially and environmentally responsible initiatives.

GMCR routinely posts information that may be of importance to investors in the Investor Relations section of its website, including news releases and its complete financial statements, as filed with the SEC. The Company encourages investors to consult this section of its website regularly for important information and news. Additionally, by subscribing to the Company's [ automatic email news release delivery ], individuals can receive news directly from GMCR as it is released.

GMCR-S

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