Tell us why you became a teacher

I was up late watching TV and I saw a show called “Teaching High School Science.” My high school and bio teacher were featured. It looked like fun to be in a classroom with students learning about scientific concepts. I serendipitously ran into my hs physics teacher a few weeks later and told him of my interest in teaching. He suggested that I volunteer at my old high school. I worked with three chemistry teachers during the day helping students. Loved it so much I went back to school to teach.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student in my classroom featured in the local news. He has SMA and gets around in a wheelchair. The news were highlighting how he overcame tough obstacles to graduate high school and get accepted to a university. I was honored to be asked to speak about his tenacity and character. A former student had me be her first salute after she earned her commission in the US Air Force, with aspirations to become an astronaut. As a veteran Marine and science teacher, I was deeply honored.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d love to take my family somewhere south of the Equator to see the southern constellations. We’d love to see the total solar eclipse on July 22, 2028 in New Zealand or Australia.