When I was in the first grade, I wanted to grow up to be a first grade teacher. Then, in 2nd grade, I decided I'd become a second grade teacher as an adult. This trend of increasing my chosen grade level continued until 7th grade--when I met Mrs. Chitwood and she introduced me to the wonder of solving math puzzles involving variables. That's it...I was hooked--and from that day forward, I've never wanted to be anything other than a math teacher. How lucky am I to have joined that club?!?

I'm not sure how I could possibly narrow 30 years of teaching down to a single most memorable moment. That's impossible. Would it be from a math team trip? A close basketball game during our state-tournament run? The Covid years when the kids and I just got through life together? Who knows... But, what means the most to me now is seeing 'my kids' become some of the best adults I know. What an honor those moments are to witness.

How do you expect me to answer this question in 500 words or less? What WOULDN'T I do with this money? Sadly, my husband passed away three years ago, and I moved home to Alabama--and returned to my alma mater. I just finished building on my parents' land, and this money would definitely help me enjoy my new home with a few less worries. But, most importantly, it would allow me to travel and see my former students every chance I get. Next to their parents, I'm their biggest fan.