Everyone loves Paige May, teacher at Lake Shore high school,  which is why she was voted Teacher of the Year. May has contributed so much to the community. I have spoken to her and some of her students to see how they feel. 

May said, “I was very surprised, but I was very happy. It was even better because I found out with a class who was also very excited for me, so that caused me to be excited as well.” 

May did not know that she was going to win, but she is so grateful to have a supportive class and to have the opportunity. Her classes seem to be her motivation, whatever mood they have is the same one she sets for herself.

May said, “The Lake Shore Family Assistance Program is a program that provides financial assistance to families in the district that are in need. So we will pay outstanding bills that people have, if they need help with rent or if they find themselves in a place where they don’t have housing- we might pay for a hotel for a few nights or groceries.”

She also said, “The snack fundraiser that we do goes straight toward the Lake Shore Family Assistance Program, so we’ll buy the snacks and any proceeds that are made go right toward the programs and back toward providing that help. We also do fundraisers with the senior English and senior math classes, and we raise money so that we can go on field trips- or give those kids different experiences that we might not normally be able to do because the funds aren’t available.”

She is involved with many and wants the best for everyone, it takes a big heart to do the things May does. She raises the money right in her classroom and uses it for good. She wants to give the Lake Shore students good experiences. May also wants to make sure we are all safe and well taken care of at home, which is why she donates the snack fundraiser money to the Lake Shore Family Assistance Program.”

Kirsten Dunn, Lake Shore senior, said, “I love talking to her- she’s really easy to talk to about stuff, it’s fun being in her class.” 

Mackenzie Rea, Lake Shore senior, said, “Ms. May always wants the best for her students and wants to make sure all of them are passing. I like her class- the work is easy so I get a lot of free time.” 

May’s students really appreciate her and know that she just wants good for them. She has developed a relationship with her students that is so lovely. They know that she has their back and will always have it.

As we can see, May is a very thoughtful, kind, and passionate person. There is no wonder as to why she won the Teacher of the Year award, it was well deserved. She makes sacrifices for her students and treats them with respect.