Nominated by: Lucas Dua

Ms. Jessica Fienup is honestly the best teacher that any of my children have ever had at St. Thomas Aquinas! I have had children at this school for the past 17 years, which is why I felt the need to make this nomination. She navigates beautifully between keeping order in the classroom while still providing a supportive, loving and safe environment for her students. She works with a reward system rather than disciplinary/demerit type system which really makes the kids want to be there and do their best. Not only do they want to show up for the reward, but also just to make her proud. Ms. Fienup truly demonstrates the qualities of an amazing teacher on a daily basis with her students, and their parents, both current and former. Ms. Fienup is highly educated and has an amazing grasp of child psychology as parents of her students will attest. She is able to problem solve while still maintaining decorum and calm. She provides a safe space where current and former students can go when they are sad, upset or just want to see her smiling face. My fifth grader adores her and makes sure he gives her a little gift on every special occasion. Not only does she help in the classroom but is always ready and willing to be there for the students even at sporting events outside the school as well. I am honored to nominate Ms. Jessica Fienup for this award because she truly exemplifies what a teacher should be and she stands out above all the rest.