Melissa Ward

Tell us why you became a teacher

I love seeing high school students prepare for their future and it blessed me to know I have a small part in that. I can truly say I've never minded going to work in 26 years.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Has to be when I had a freshman student who had ripped her sleeve ask me if I could sew it back for her. I've done a lot in 26 years, but never that. As I started to sew, we discussed many life lessons that you don't normally get to do. She thanked me and told me she'd never had anyone take that kind of time with her.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Give back! I serve as a student liaison for Operation Christmas Child and would love to have the resources to tell more people about this. I also serve on the board of a nonprofit women's center. We can always use $ to help more young mothers and their children. Finally, I would lice to be able to fund a scholarship for that student who may not have the greatest gpa, but the best set of ethics.