Sarah Mawhinney

Tell us why you became a teacher

I began my teaching career to help make a difference and spread the joy of learning to young minds. I had worked in a daycare in high school and wanted to foster a love of learning in others. It was the perfect opportunity to develop excitement and drive for the younger population.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I had a child my very first year of teaching that taught me to just love life itself! This student had Cystic Fibrosis and came in everyday ready to learn with a smile on his face. He is the one who got me through those tough moments in my career, We got involved in fundraising with his family, celebrated birthdays together, and he was able to hold my first born daughter before he passed away. Those relationships you build in the classroom and out of the room are those you cherish forever!

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would give experiences to those students in the school who have touched my life. I would love to provide them with many hands on experiences, including extra field trips. I'd also like to develop a love of reading through providing a bigger selection of Take-Home books for our school building. They need to have the books in their hands at home to help foster that love!