While these words will never do her proper justice, Michelle Matulef has truly been life-changing for our family. Two of our three children have been fortunate enough to learn from Ms. Matulef at Cartwright Elementary over the past 10 years, and our family has interacted with her for 15 years. She is not only involved in the lives of her current students, but very involved in all school events and activities, as well as keeping up with her former students. Our oldest son, Payce, struggled in elementary school because he was a slower reader and deliberate thinker. He was often frustrated and embarrassed that he could not quite keep up with the other kids, and his teachers did not understand or give him much grace. His grades suffered and his spirit dimmed. This all changed when he entered Ms. Matulef’s classroom. She not only allowed him the time he needed to complete all tasks, she made sure he felt supported in his efforts. She was never condescending, as others had been, and never said he was working too slowly. He said she, “met me where I was,” and this changed his path forward in school and life. From that year on, Payce got straight “A” report cards, he was involved in school activities, music, and sports. He was focused, responsible, thoughtful, and motivated to strive for excellence. He is now in his third year of college studying molecular biology and biochemistry. He is pre-med and taking his MCAT this summer. We truly feel that his year with Ms. Matulef was a turning point in his young life. As a parent, there is no better feeling than to have someone truly care about your child and their future. When our daughter, Nayve, was ready for 5th grade, we made sure she was in Ms. Matulef’s class. She was so excited and talked about it for years leading up to 5th grade. Nayve loves to go to school each day because Ms. Matulef makes being there an adventure and makes learning fun. Each year, there is a theme to her classroom – our son had musical theater as the theme, and our daughter has a nautical theme with Captain Matulef and all her shipmates! Each day is filled with fun activities, games, and stories to help teach every lesson. This keeps them engaged and motivated. Ms. Matulef has a mutual respect for the students that you do not see often in classrooms. The students make decisions as a class, hold class meetings to discuss any concerns, and work together to complete tasks or “Poster Parts” to earn privileges and enjoy perks. Both of our children said this made such a difference in the comradery in the classroom; everyone got along very well. Emotional maturity is the result of her real-world teaching style. Her students come out of 5th grade with confidence. Both children mentioned that they enjoy the “Brain Breaks” and “Whisper Phones” to help them keep focused and excel at their work. They enjoy staying after school for extra help, and the considerate nature of Ms. Matulef to forego homework on test weeks. Everything she does is intentional and with the students’ best interests at heart. She is selfless, caring, and thoughtful. We cannot thank Michelle Matulef enough for all she has done for us over the years. She is most deserving of this award.