Ms. Vargas was my COAST teacher in 6th and 7th grade, and she is one of the most impactful teachers I’ve ever had. Her class was never just inside four walls. With Ms. Vargas, the classroom was the ocean, the mangroves, the trails, and the coastline. We didn’t just read about science — we lived it. We went camping. We went on hikes and explored mangroves. We learned how ecosystems work by actually being in them. We kayaked, we went scuba diving, and we even helped rescue a turtle. Not many middle school students can say they’ve had experiences like that. Those moments weren’t just field trips — they were life lessons. She taught us about plastic pollution, recycling, and how small actions can make a big difference for marine life. She made us understand that protecting the environment is our responsibility. Because of her, I see the ocean differently now. What makes Ms. Vargas awesome is that she truly cares. She pushes you to be responsible, confident, and independent. She believes in her students, and that makes you want to do better. She doesn’t just teach science — she builds character. Even though I’m no longer in her class, I still volunteer with her during cleanups because she taught me that leadership doesn’t stop when the school year ends. That shows how much of an impact she made on me. Ms. Vargas gave me experiences that went far beyond the classroom. She made middle school unforgettable and helped shape who I am today. Cutler Bay Middle is lucky to have her. COAST would not be the same without her. She truly deserves this recognition.