Doug Torres

Tell us why you became a teacher

When I was in high school band and choir, I remember sitting there being in awe of how my directors could do what they do. The way they connected to the students and made an impact on lives was inspiring. They instilled a love of music and a love of teaching that to others that I carry with me wherever I go. I had a friend (who sadly passed away in high school) that wanted to learn how to effective read music and asked me for help. Working with him really solidified that’s what I want to do.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

When I was a teacher in Hancock County (fall of 2023), I took my students to sing with the Wheeling Symphony at Christmas time. The school did not have choir before that since prior to the pandemic. Most of the students were nervous about being out of their comfort zones. When we got to the rehearsal site that changed. They were asking me all sorts of questions, and even wanted to meet an orchestra musician. They still email me and thank me for that day and that’s something I’ll always cherish

What would you do with the $25,000?

$25,000 is a lot of money and the possibilities are endless. I would take $5,000 of that money and start a scholarship for students at my school who wanted to go into college to become a teacher or music teacher. The rest I would save to take a trip with my fiancé and family for something they haven’t done in such a long time