Jamie LaRose

My mother was a teacher in the town I grew up in and she loved her job like no other. I witnessed first hand how many people she made a positive impact on. I felt as though she was a local hero or celebrity of sorts. She never let me see work frustrations or small local political battles she may have fought. However, she did vocally advocate for student opportunities, new experiences, and was willing to volunteer or work late for the love of it.

In 2010 I was 7 months pregnant with my daughter and coaching the Ponaganset MS Girls Basketball Team. We went undefeated and won the State Championship in front of a packed gym and home town crowd. It was one of the happiest moments I can remember because of the feeling that I had been a part of helping my students set goals, show improvement, see success, develop pride, and witness them confidently grow up right before my eyes.

If I won $25000, I would use it on travel. I chaperone and lead student group trips worldwide through EF Tours. I would love to continue to do so, while taking my own 2 children with me. Through travel students develop cultural diversity, a deeper understanding of history, art, government, architecture, food, language, and so much more! Each time I travel I feel like a kid myself and that is something I never want to lose while working with students.