Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because I love being around kids, competition, and a good gym echo. Coaching, teaching PE, and watching students figure things out has always been fun for me. One day you’re teaching a jump shot, the next day you’re explaining life. Somewhere in there you hope a few lessons stick.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One year on my birthday a student gave me a picture of a wolf. Not just any wolf—one of those intense, staring-through-your-soul wolves like it belonged on the wall of a mountain cabin. The kid was so proud handing it to me, and honestly that’s what stuck. After all the games, classes, and drills, it’s the small, unexpected moments like that which you remember.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I won $25,000 it would probably turn into a mix of family time and house projects. With six kids there’s always something that needs fixing, improving, or replacing around the house. A little would go toward knocking out a few long overdue projects, and the rest would be spent making some memories with the family. That’s a pretty good combination.