Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my journey as an artist. I studied for, and became, a set and lighting designer for the theater. During my ten years in the theater, I started working with middle-level students in children's theater. I found I had a vocation to teach. It was a surprise to me, but it led me back to school to become certified as a science teacher. I have now been teaching science for 35 years. Making new scientists is what I enjoy, and it is a privilege to do that every day.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

My most memorable teaching experience is the time when I put a hole in my ceiling. I was demonstrating how an air-pressure bottle rocket works, and it worked a little bit too well! The ceiling tile in my classroom had to be replaced. The students from that class would always bring in others to "look at that hole" and "remember when Mrs. C put that hole in the ceiling?" It was proof that air pressure can be very forceful-a lesson not easily forgotten.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would use the money to visit more of our National Parks, and then bring that knowledge back into the classroom. Last summer, I visited Yosemite, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks, and then incorporated that information into my science teaching this year. I want to continue to bring the real world back into my classroom this way. Denali and Acadia National Parks are next on my visit list.