1. How long have you lived in Celina and what is your favorite thing about living here?
We have lived in Celina for 16 years this August. We love our neighbors!
2. What is one of your hidden talents?
I played the violin for 20 years. Turned down a SHSU music scholarship to play in their orchestra.
3. What would your students at Gunter High School be surprised to find out about you?
I signed with the Navy when I was a Senior in High School. I wanted to “see the world” as the recruiters had promised. I was the highest-scoring female on the ASVAB in my High School. My Dad put a quick stop to it when the recruiters showed up at my house to meet my parents but maybe that is why I am a good Military mom and sister.
4. If you won the lottery and decided to give up teaching, what would you do instead?
Spend summers in Estonia helping our friends on the mission field. Go visit gardens all over the world. I would probably run out of space in my house and gardens from all the plants I would buy.
5. What accomplishments fill you with pride this past school year?
*Having a student do an amazing job as a Texas State FFA Vice President. Gunnar Griggs- Bell is the first student from Gunter to be a state officer. Only he and my daughter, Victoria, have been awarded their American Degree from the National FFA.
*Being the floral team Champions of Area V. My team beat all the big schools and the school that won state. It let me know that students in a small school can accomplish the same as those in the 6A and Ag Tech schools. In FFA we are not divided by size for competitions like athletics.
*Having my Jr Ag students win showmanship at our county show. You may not always have control over a judge’s opinion at a contest or the quality of your animal, BUT you have total control over yourself. I make it mandatory for my students to enter showmanship with their rabbits and chickens. It prepares them for speaking to adults, gives them an opportunity to prove what they know about their species and is the gateway for them to move up to larger animals in High School. It also starts teaching them how to promote themselves and be confident in who they are, especially in interviews for their future scholarships or jobs!
6. What inspires you?
Having a student graduate that survived life, family and odds that most of us will never face. My heart is full of watching a student break the cycle and open the door of opportunity. I have one that graduated this year and will be attending a local college with the goal of being a nurse. Seeing students as unpolished gems is part of who I am as a teacher. There is so much more to being a teacher than academics. Being a former women’s minister has given me the ability to see kids differently in my classes. My students will tell you that I can be their biggest advocate and cheerleader. I do shoot straight and have high expectations, but with that, I give a ton of grace. The only reason I go to work every morning is to see my students.
7. In which other teacher’s class would you like to enroll, even for a day? Why?
I would love to be in my teaching partner’s welding class! I had a metal sculpture class in college and always wanted to weld. There are so many ideas in my head for floral displays and designs for garden structures that I want to create.
8. Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
"To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow." - Audrey Hepburn