Tell us why you became a teacher

I became a teacher because the best hour of my day growing up was my art class. My teacher had the privilege of doing it all day and I wanted to be the best hour of other students days so I became a teacher.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Taking a student, Patrick on a field trip his junior year, getting him an internship during their junior year summer with the same company and two years later I took more students on the same field trip for the same opportunity for an internship and I saw Patrick working at the company full time while going to school at night part time. Seeing the full circle inspires me to continue to serve others.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would put it towards something that would benefit my family. I have two young children, both boys ages 3 and 5. My husband also works a lot as a police officer so I want to make sure they grow up with diverse experiences and travel. I want them to have fun memories with their parents. So something to treat my family to.