PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A north Phoenix math teacher was honored with a Silver Apple award for her work inspiring students.
Hylari Villamar has been a 7th-grade math teacher at Sonoran Foothills Elementary for over a decade. A parent said Villamar has greatly impacted two of her children.
“I think she’s exceptional. I think she’s inspired two out of three of my kids so far. We fight over math homework at home because we all love doing it,” the parent said.
Villamar said she wants her students to develop a lasting love for math.
“I feel like my kids will love math for the rest of their lives and hopefully into some sort of great career,” Villamar said.
Parent Kerry Patel and her daughter Kherington nominated Villamar for the Silver Apple award. Kherington said Villamar helped her greatly improve in math.
“Last year, I struggled with math a lot, and this year, I feel like I’ve got it down, and I’m pretty good,” Kherington explained.
Hylari Villamar has been a 7th-grade math teacher at Sonoran Foothills Elementary for over a decade.(Arizona’s Family)
During the surprise presentation, Patel read from the nomination letter.
“Mrs. Villamar is an exceptional teacher who changes the way students see themselves,” Patel described. “She now teaches my daughter with that same dedication, challenging her, believing in her, and inspiring confidence. Mrs. Villamar’s passion and commitment last beyond middle school.”
Desert Financial Credit Union presented Villamar with a $1,000 check. All the seventh graders at the school came out to cheer for Villamar during the award presentation.
“Thank you so much. I am so proud of my students and all of their growth they make. It’s so funny. I was just telling one of my algebra students, I said, ‘the one thing I want you to take away is not the algebra, but being positive,’” Villamar said.
Nominate a teacher or educator for the Silver Apple Award here.
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