Tell us why you became a teacher

I had a school counselor who saw my potential as I served others through my music and caring of those who needed a little extra help.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a student who had a really tough home life. He had been kicked out of every class every year. His behaviors were crazy. I wouldn’t kick him out. I kept my expectations high and little by little he wanted to be in class and learn. On the last day of school he hugged me and cried. The next year he nominated me for teacher of the year because I didn’t give up on him.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I got the $25,000 dollars, I would continue the work I do with my students with our hydroponic garden and courtyard gardens. I would work with the school to get a green house to extend our potential of providing fresh fruits and vegetables for school lunch.