Tell us why you became a teacher

"I chose this path because I still remember the teachers who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. They didn't just teach me facts; they taught me resilience and confidence. I became Mrs. Riviere the teacher because I want to pay that gift forward and be a steady, encouraging presence for the next generation.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

One year, my class noticed a peer was going through a difficult time. Without being prompted, the students organized a 'kindness wall' where they left anonymous notes of encouragement for one another. Seeing that empathy in action showed me that I wasn't just teaching students—I was helping raise kind, thoughtful human beings. It was a powerful reminder of the culture we can build in a classroom.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the funds to create a 'Living History' Project. Students would interview community elders and local heroes, turning those stories into a professionally published book or digital archive. The remaining funds would go toward a Community Literacy Night, providing free books and dinner to families. My goal is to turn the school into a hub where the neighborhood feels welcomed and celebrated.