Tell us why you became a teacher

I wanted to be a safe place for kids who didn’t have one otherwise. I wanted them to know they are loved, important and capable of doing great things. I wanted to teach them that they decide who they are, not the world deciding for them.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

There are too many to count. I love my kids and they bring me joy daily. I’d have to say when I won the Heart of Wayne award at my school. My colleagues voted and selected me. To know that I am contributing to my entire school community and culture shows me that I am setting a positive example for my students to take with them when they leave us. The laughs daily and the way my kids supported me when I lost my in-laws. I will never forget that.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would hope to buy three IMac Stations for my yearbook class, since we are a self-funded program. I would also like to buy a new quality camera for my yearbook class, to meet their growing photography skills. Next, stock my snack stockpile for my classroom, then give the rest to my hubby so we could pay down some debt and breathe a little easier. I’d love to take a trip since it’s our 25th wedding anniversary and we never got to take a Honeymoon.