Nicki Neugent

Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher to inspire young people just like my amazing teachers did for me. I tell my students that our band isn’t just the Hays band, but their Hays band FAMILY. Our band hall should be their home away from home where everyone is valued, respected, encouraged and welcomed. There were many days growing up where I didn’t believe in myself, but my teachers always believed in me. Without their support, confidence and guidance I would never have become the person or educator I am today!

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

This is such a difficult question for me to answer because I have so many! However, there is one that sticks out to me, and it has happened more than once! When I have a student that is struggling with something new or struggling with something they have been working on for a while and then they have the moment when they GET IT! That ah hah moment and the look on their faces when they realize that THEY accomplished it is pure magic! This is why I do what I do. My students bring me so much joy!

What would you do with the $25,000?

With some of the money I would set up an Angel fund for students in my school who need additional financial assistance to go further in our Band programs to reach higher goals and milestones. Finances should never be an issue to keep a student from doing anything that they are passionate about and bring them joy. With the rest, I would love pay off our family debt and help pay off our son’s college loans as well as paying it forward however possible.