I'm deeply passionate about science, endangered species, astronomy and sustainability and have shared that love with young learners in Atlanta for 21 yrs, where opportunities can be lacking in an urban city. I travel when I can afford to, in order to bring those experiences to my class. I long to make a difference and created a Homeless Pet Club at our school helping find homes for hundreds of pets. I want to inspire students to have an environmental conscience with a lifetime love of learning.

While teaching a 4th grade unit on human biology, my students were learning how the heart worked and dissected an animal heart. A girl gasped with joy, looked at me and said, "I know what I want to do when I grow up!!" I asked what it was, and she said, "A heart doctor for kids!!" Last spring she graduated from medical school and told me that my class that day changed her life. We are still in touch today and I will never forget that feeling. That is why I do it and I'm so proud.

The money would help me fund a Science Camp for young deserving students, along with expanding our Homeless Pet Club. I would also love to host some environmental travel opportunities for my economically challenged students and their families, such as studying sea turtles at the Jekyll Island Sea Turtle Center, and visiting astronomy observatories. I would use the money to do what I can to inspire my students to become our Earth's ambassadors, sharing their knowledge with the next generation.