Tell us why you became a teacher

I began in production agriculture, managing a small plot orchard and later working at FMC conducting field research and herbicide trials. I thought that was my path until I began teaching agriculture at the middle school I once attended. Now I raise animals, lead field trips, and serve as an FFA advisor, giving students hands-on experiences and inspiring them to see the importance of agriculture in our daily lives.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience was starting a fishing club and partnering with DNREC to take students fishing. It strengthened connections with students who already loved fishing and introduced new students to an experience they’d never had. Watching first-time anglers catch fish and seeing their excitement made it unforgettable and showed how agriculture extends beyond the classroom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the $25,000 to fund impactful field trips, including visits to hydroponic farms, aquaculture facilities, fisheries, national parks, and other agricultural educational tours. These experiences broaden students’ understanding of modern agriculture and natural resources. I would also use a portion to help pay off my master’s degree and teaching certification, as education was not my original major