Congratulations to
Life-Changing Teaching Award Nominee
DANIELLE ALLEN
MCDONOGH #35 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT RECOGNITION STORY
Ms. Allen is an amazing teacher because she doesn’t just teach us school subjects, she teaches us about real life. In J.A.G, she helped us understand things we’ll actually need in the future, like budgeting, teamwork, and how the world works. Watching CNN 10 made learning about current events and other parts of the world interesting and something I actually looked forward to.
What makes her awesome is how she turns learning into something fun and memorable. We didn’t just sit and listen, we did activities like the team balloon chair and the recreate Lego build, which helped us work together and think creatively.
One moment that really stood out to me was when we did the popsicle stick bridge challenge. My group wasn’t exactly sure if our bridge would hold the weight, and we kept changing ideas and trying again. Instead of letting us give up or rushing, Ms. Allen encouraged us to take our time, keep thinking and working together. When our bridge finally worked, everyone got excited, and it made me realize how teamwork and persistence can actually pay off. That moment made the lesson stick with me way more than just reading about it in a book.
Ms. Allen shows that she cares about her students by being patient, supportive, and always encouraging us to do our best. She makes sure everyone feels included and understood, and you can tell she genuinely wants us to succeed, not just in class but in life.
She has helped me become a more confident student by pushing me to try, even when I’m unsure of myself. She creates an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them, which made me feel more comfortable speaking up and participating.
Inside the classroom, she teaches important life skills and keeps learning engaging. Outside the classroom, the lessons she teaches, like responsibility, teamwork, and planning for the future will stay with me for a long time. Ms. Allen has made a real impact on me, and I’m really grateful to have had her as a teacher.
Jiquisha Sawyer
To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.
