Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted kids to have a class, a program, a teacher a reason to go to school. I wanted to teach a class that they could learn real world skills in and use them in everyday situations as well as a future career. I wanted to inspire them to be anything they wanted to be. To help them grow and develop into the best version of themselves. I didn't want to tell them what to do or think but lead them to figure it out on their own.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I am a high school culinary academy teacher. Last year we were catering a lunch for our district IT dept. about 400 ppl. We had a very quick turnaround time and I needed to utilize more students than ever. I gave 10 kids "leadership" roles. So the event arrives and I am standing in front of the room with my AP and we are watching my kids do everything I had ever taught them. To say they WOWED me would be an understatement. They had actually listened and I was the one having the A-HA moment.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I have over 40 rescue animals that live with my mom and I so I would do some things for them, new beds, better fence and of course treats. I would take my seniors out for a fun day like a movie or scavenger hunt. Then I would take my mom who is 75 and still works to help me financially ...to visit her family.