Ms. Vargas is truly the heart of the COAST program at Cutler Bay Middle. She is not just a teacher — she is an inspiration, a leader, and a passionate advocate for both her students and our environment. When I was first considering sending my child to Cutler Bay Middle, I was unsure. We were coming from a charter school where I was very involved, and I was nervous about the transition. From the very first conversation, Ms. Vargas took the time to speak with me, answer my questions, and make me feel welcomed. She didn’t rush me. She shared her vision for the COAST program and helped me understand the incredible opportunities it offered. That conversation gave me peace, and I am so grateful it did. What makes Ms. Vargas truly awesome is that she teaches beyond four walls. In COAST, the classroom is the ocean. She makes environmental education come alive. Students don’t just read about conservation — they experience it. She teaches them about plastic pollution, recycling, and the importance of protecting our environment. She helps them understand how their actions impact our coastal community. She instills responsibility and pride in caring for the Earth. Through hands-on experiences like shark tagging, kayaking, and marine exploration, students gain real-world knowledge and unforgettable memories. They learn that science is not just in a textbook — it is in the water, in our ecosystems, and in the choices we make every day. She makes students excited to learn because learning feels like an adventure. It feels meaningful. Ms. Vargas also gives so much of herself outside the classroom. She stays late cleaning and organizing. She gives up weekends to promote the COAST program so more families can benefit from it. She works tirelessly behind the scenes to grow the program and create opportunities for her students. She shows she cares by listening, advocating, and always believing in her students — even when they don’t believe in themselves. She builds confidence by giving them responsibility, leadership opportunities, and real-life experiences that empower them. Even though my child may no longer be in the program, Ms. Vargas will always hold a special place in our hearts. I am incredibly lucky my son had her. The impact she made on him goes far beyond middle school. Honestly, I don’t know what the school would do without her. She is an amazing soul, a fierce advocate for our environment, and a life-changing educator. She is beyond deserving of this recognition.