I would like to nominate my former fifth grade teacher, Terri Buckler from Barton Elementary in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Ms. Buckler was the teacher that made the biggest impact in my life. Ms Buckler was my teacher from 1994-1995. I always felt she believed in me, and it motivated me to do well in class. Growing up in a low income hispanic household wasn't easy. Going to school was one of my escapes and it made it bearable to face those challenges. I am sure I wasn’t the only student that felt that way. Ms. Buckler would motivate all her students to do their best. To the point that she challenged all of us to improve academically. She gave our fifth grade class an incentive and promised to take the top student to a local amusement park. I tried really hard to win the prize and made second place. Ms. Buckler saw how hard I worked and decided to take her top two students which included me! Ms. Buckler kept her promise and took me and another student to the amusement park. I will never forget it, as it was the first time I felt my hard work paid off. Additionally, Mrs. Buckler also entered our class into a science project competition in the state. As a class we created a manatee out of barbed wire and newspaper. To my recollection we won second place! This taught me the importance of teamwork and team building. Ms. Buckler not only taught me my academic foundation but she taught me that hard work pays off as well as the importance of teamwork. I have carried her teachings throughout my education and my adult life. I was able to join the Air Force, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and graduated from law school. Thanks to Ms. Buckler who believed in me and took a chance on a timid Hispanic little girl whom she inspired to do more. I wish there were more teachers like her.