Educator of the Year
After lunch freshman and sophomore years, I’d walk up the stairs to the second level of the school and find Ms. Miller. She would always have a smile, even if she wasn’t having a good day. It was her goal to brighten my day. She would listen to everything I’d have to say, even if it wasn’t exactly what we were talking about. And she cared about everyone of her students, and she didn’t have favorites.

English wasn’t my favorite subject. But the ways Ms.Miller taught the class made me engaged in topics I thought I’d never be engaged in. Instead of just teaching us punctuation rules, she would make them relatable to each student and incorporate games to keep our attention. She always had a trick up her sleeve to make sure the class was engaged everyday.

Sophomore year, we had to give three speeches. At the time, I wasn’t comfortable talking in front of a big group. I was very nervous going into my first speech. But Ms. Miller encouraged me and gave me the support I needed to give a great speech. She told me if I understand the information I’m presenting, and if I was confident while I was speaking, the speech would be great. I did all of that, and I got an A on the speech. And by the end of the semester, speeches didn’t phase me at all.

I continue to talk to Ms. Miller at Arrowhead sporting events or in the hallways, because she impacted me in a positive way. She taught me not only commas and capitalization skills, but also life skills. Ms. Maria Miller will not only be remembered as my freshman and sophomore year English teacher, but she will also be remembered as a friend and a role model.