My own teachers inspired me to look at education as an investment in myself. School was an opportunity, not something being "done" to me. Their patience, hard work, and perseverance spoke to me in such a meaningful way. I became involved in a Big Brother program as a high school junior, taking the opportunity to step into the role of a mentor. The time with Chris, my little brother, solidified my commitment to working with young people. From then on, I have wanted to be an educator.

After almost 30 years, I have many memorable experiences. To think broadly, I love when parents stop me in public to share pictures, stories, and success of my former students. Babies, weddings, college graduations, and stories of students sharing their experiences with me as a teacher and coach are always memorable. Students are not people that exist in my classroom for a short time. They are people that have brought something special to my life. Seeing them grow is everything to me.

My wife's grandmother was an educator for 43 years. She was the teacher in the Beverly Cleary story "Muggy Maggie." At 91, she can still share stories of students, colleagues, and their families. She always put her students first, unwavering in her belief that they could be the best versions of themselves. With this money, I would like to create a scholarship at my school in her name for a graduating senior that is entering the field of education.