Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because of my Poppop, Alfred Rue. In nearly a century of life, he quietly served others and helped people grow. At a young age, he joined the Merchant Marines and later served 20 plus years in the Navy, becoming an officer and instructor. He then volunteered as a firefighter. In retirement, he spent countless hours helping my siblings and me with school and teaching us to draw, build, and fix things. His patience and example inspire the teacher I strive to be.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Through a grant-funded project last school year, students read "Only One You," by Linda Kranz, and created two painted rocks. One remained at school as part of a growing garden art installation, while the other went home with them. Students were excited throughout the process, taking pride in their creativity and message of individuality. The project brightened our campus, and staff loved how the artwork brought color, joy, and a sense of student ownership to our outdoor spaces.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I hope to pursue a PhD in the field of Visual Studies, Arts Education, and Cognitive Science to better understand how creativity and visual learning shape student thinking. The $25,000 would help offset tuition, research materials, and program costs, allowing me to deepen my practice and bring research-based strategies back to my classroom and community.