Grace Saunders

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to impact the future of young people in my community.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

During my first year teaching, I had a really strong relationship with a student who had difficulties in a school setting. He transferred to a different school the following year and I always wondered how he was doing. He returned to our building a few years later. It took me by surprise when he ran down the hallway and hugged me. He had remembered me from that first year. It was the highlight of my career so far.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I can only imagine all the possibilities that would come with $25,000. I would fund field trips for students in my school. I would purchase new uniforms for students who need them. I would donate to the set up of a school garden. I would buy snacks for the students in my classroom on Mondays/Fridays because the healthy snack program is Tuesday-Thursday. I would purchase pickleball equipment for our phys ed teacher because she wants a class set. The possibilities are truly endless.