Recipient's Name: Lesia Zinkann

School: St. Elizabeth Catholic Elementary School

Grade: 8

Number of Years Teaching: 8

Lesia describes a good day of teaching as a day where her students realize that they can do something they did not think they could do, where there is an increase in confidence, where they are taking risks and where students say that they are happy to come to school. As her students gain confidence they begin asking more and more questions which leads to more and more success and self-confidence.

Lesia loves being in the classroom. She gets to know her students both as their teacher and their coach and seeks opportunities to watch them succeeding outside of school. She cares deeply for her students and won't give up on them. Each day is a new start the past is the past. Lesia believes in the power of a smile and encouraging word. She has always wanted to be a teacher and enjoys seeing her students succeed each day.

Mark, a student in Lesia's class, created a nomination package of letters from other students about Lesia. Here are some of the comments from Mark and his fellow students:

My grade eight year had to be a fresh start and I was going to work really hard and do everything I needed to be successful and get on the right track. I realized my attitude was great and I had support from home but the most important thing was that I had Mrs. Zinkann as my teacher. She helped me to be successful. She encouraged me to always do my best; she pushed us and was always there for help any time of the day. She made me feel good about myself and that I could do anything if I set my mind to it.

Mrs. Zinkann instills in us to reach for the stars and that it is all within our reach. She reminded us to respect the feelings of others especially when we make choices that could involve or impact our peers. She was an individual who motivated her students and encouraged us always to do our best and believe in our abilities. She encouraged us to remain true to ourselves and not to fall victims to peer pressure.

Our futures are her priority, and she lets us know that. What touches me the most is that she believes in me and in all her students. Her faith alone is motivation. We never want to fail a great woman such as her.