After being an assistant track and field coach for 4 years I realized I truly enjoyed working with our middle and high school kids. Helping them achieve their goals gave me great pride knowing I played a small part in their journey. And after the birth of my second child I knew I had to do more, becoming a role model they would be proud of, and that's why I decided to go into teaching. To be a role model and help my students achieve their goals.

22 years leaves me many, but I have to say that besides watching my kids graduate, one of the most memorable was when one of my students, Shawna, came to me asking about the school my daughter went to, the school of her dreams. She had come to me earlier worried about getting in and the cost. I discussed with her the situation and that fear & doubt are what keeps dreams, dreams. She came to me later, with news, with excitement & pure joy, she had accomplished it, she got in & enough aid.

I would use some of the money to help my family and then some of the money would go to support a school program I developed to bring a christmas festival to our local community. The goal of the festival is to create the opportunity for many of our families, students, faculty and staff to enjoy the holiday season. But the ultimate goal is to help needy families by giving them a tree and ornaments and helping them create a memorable holiday experience for their children.