Tell us why you became a teacher

I come from a family of teachers. My Grandfather was a math and French teacher. My Aunt was the most dynamic elementary teacher, I've observed to date. She taught me that education is so much more than the subjects we teach. I ALWAYS knew I would end up in the classroom. It was in my blood. What I didn't know was that I'd teach at Minneapolis Roosevelt High School for my entire career. I student taught at RHS in 1994, and I'm still here. It has been the joy of my life.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One of my students was troubled; tough home life and behavior issues most days at school. Eventually he was placed in a boys' home and educated on site. I never saw him again; until many years later he came to my classroom, all grown up and a father! He thanked me for a letter I wrote him while he was away. I had included a photo of my newborn daughter. He told me how much it meant to him. Admittedly, I don't remember the letter, but I'm so happy that I wrote it. The little things matter most.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis will absolutely benefit. A donation to the Air Conditioning fund? Our building is 100+ years old. No AC and (contrary to popular belief) it DOES get hot in Minnesota. Or a scholarship for a deserving student or two? I'm a big fan of paying it forward. I've been fortunate in my life and times are increasingly tougher. If I can lighten the load around post-secondary education plans for students, count me in!