Tell us why you became a teacher

Before I ever stood at the front of a classroom, I sat in the fourth row of one. I once lied about turning in a book report. My teacher, Mrs. Cox — small, dark-haired, leaning slightly to one side — looked at me and said, “If you say you turned it in, then you did.” She gave me a 100 and apologized for losing it. Her belief undid me. I never tested it again. I became a teacher to offer that kind of grace.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

Tears filled my eyes as I watched my students approach City Council with poster boards held high and courage steady in their voices. What began as a study of regenerative farming through our Ground Up initiative grew into letters to officials, community partnerships, and public advocacy. That night, 10- and 11-year-olds weren’t finishing an assignment — they were stepping into stewardship. And when they looked at me, I whispered, “Yes, y’all.”

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would fund immersive, student-led experiences — STEM nights, community screenings, green screen cultural storytelling, and real-world advocacy projects. I’d invest in tools that amplify student voice: media equipment, innovation kits, and project materials that turn ideas into action. Ultimately, I would use these funds to keep saying “yes” when students dream big.