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Jordan Lozano shared her story about how her teacher, Ms. Smouse, changed her life.(Arizona’s Family)<\/p>\nPHOENIX (AZFamily)<\/b> \u2014 One Camelback High School teacher gives students her all, pushing and challenging them to reach their potential. Thanks to her tireless dedication to her students, she has been named a recipient of the Silver Apple award.<\/p>\n
Ms. Rachelle Smouse, an algebra teacher, has been a staple at Camelback High School for the last decade. Jordan Lozano, a junior, shared her story about how her teacher changed her life. Despite a tough start in school, Ms. Smouse helped guide Lozano through challenges and inspired her to push herself to reach new heights.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy freshman year, I didn\u2019t really have a lot of motivation. She was the one that really believed in me and told me I could do a lot,\u201d Lozano said.<\/p>\n
Thanks to Ms. Smouse\u2019s lasting impact, Lozano\u2019s mother nominated the teacher for the Silver Apple award.<\/p>\n
\u201cMs. Smouse helped my daughter believe in herself. Freshman year, Jordan thought she was not a good student and did not have plans to go to college. Ms. Smouse was instrumental in helping Jordan have confidence in her abilities. Jordan currently has a 3.8 GPA and is a member of National Honor Society, with plans to attend college,\u201d Lozano said as she read her mother\u2019s letter. <\/p>\n
Jordan Lozano shared her story about how her teacher, Ms. Smouse, changed her life.(Arizona’s Family)<\/p>\n
Principal James Arndt says Ms. Smouse is an incredible part of the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the best to ever do it. The \u2018GOAT,\u2019 you might say. She\u2019s been teaching algebra for us for many years. She\u2019s so grounded in this community. She is an anchor of our freshman house, which has been nationally recognized,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
All of Ms. Smouse\u2019s freshman math students gathered at the school library to see their teacher\u2019s reaction to receiving the surprise award. The school erupted in cheers as the dedicated teacher received a $1,000 check and her Silver Apple award.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love my job because every day, the kids are different. It\u2019s a new opportunity to do better,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
With Ms. Smouse\u2019s support, Lozano says things are looking great for her future, and she plans to join the Air Force after she graduates!<\/p>\n
\u201cShe just told me to do whatever I thought in my heart was the best, and that\u2019s what I choose is military. She\u2019s always supported me, always gave me the best advice,\u201d Lozano said.<\/p>\n
Nominate a teacher or educator for the Silver Apple Award here.<\/a><\/p>\n See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n