Grace Riedman

I’ve always known I wanted to teach. As a child, I’d line up my animals and read from the big books I had. My first job was in a daycare with school-aged kids, and the relationships we built and the conversations we had showed me how much knowledge and potential every child holds. This inspired me to pursue education and become a teacher. I want to encourage every student to strive for their goals and dreams, helping them realize their full potential.

One of my most memorable teaching experiences was the strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere at the school. From the moment I arrived, I felt supported by both staff and students. The collaborative spirit among teachers and the genuine care students showed for each other created an environment where everyone thrived. This positive, inclusive culture reinforced my belief that a strong school community is key to fostering both academic success and personal growth.

I moved to Omaha to start my job at my current school. I would use part of the 25,000 dollars for a down payment on a house so I can start a permanent life with my school community. I would also use some of the money to sponsor extracurricular activities and after-school programs to reach more students and give more affordable options for parents to get their students involved.