Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to light a fire for learning and to be the teacher I once needed. As a child, I struggled, but my teachers never gave up on me. They believed in me, taught me resilience, and showed me how to survive. Today, I teach to inspire confidence, perseverance, and hope—proving that one caring teacher can truly change a life.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most inspiring moment is when I see passion ignite. I see God working in my classroom—mountains move, and learning valleys disappear. After teaching the “nails in the bucket” lesson, even my lowest student saw the magic of learning, like a child experiencing Christmas or Disney for the first time. In that moment, curiosity sparked, belief grew, and learning became real.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would grow STEAM through experience—monthly STEAM nights, student showcases, garden science labs, coding clubs, robotics teams, and engineering challenges tied to real community needs. Partnering with local farms and businesses in Bainbridge, students would solve real problems, present solutions, and see learning come alive beyond the classroom walls.