He has made it his mission to ensure that his students are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of personal finance, an essential life skill that is often overlooked in traditional education.
Jackson, who teaches a financial literacy course at Da Vinci Communications, goes beyond the textbook curriculum to provide students with practical, real-world knowledge. He invites guest speakers from the financial industry to share their expertise, organizes field trips to banks and financial institutions, and incorporates hands-on activities to simulate budgeting and investing scenarios.
But Jacksonās commitment to his studentsā financial well-being doesnāt end when the school day is over. He hosts workshops for parents on financial planning and saving for college, and he has helped numerous students secure internships and scholarships to further their education.
āMr. Jackson truly cares about each and every one of his students,ā said DāSouza. āHe goes above and beyond to ensure that they have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in the real world.ā
Jacksonās impact extends beyond the walls of Da Vinci Communications. He has been recognized by the California Department of Education for his innovative approach to financial education, and he regularly presents at conferences and workshops to share his strategies with educators across the state.
āI believe that financial literacy is a crucial skill that every student should possess,ā said Jackson. āI am grateful for the opportunity to empower my students to take control of their financial futures and make informed decisions that will benefit them for years to come.ā
Angie Hewes is a dedicated business education teacher at Smyrna High School in Delaware, where she has been teaching for 23 years. She is known for her commitment to career and technical education (CTE) and for going above and beyond to support her students both inside and outside the classroom.
Hewes introduced the Academy of Finance program at Smyrna High School, a three-course CTE program that covers topics such as banking, credit, financial planning, accounting, and insurance. While classroom instruction is important, Hewes believes that real-world experiences are essential for students to truly grasp financial concepts.
To provide her students with hands-on learning opportunities, Hewes worked to secure an Innovation Grant from the state. This grant allowed the school to purchase a mobile school store that can be moved to different parts of the campus. This innovative approach enables students to gain experience as sales and marketing interns, even if they are unable to access internships in the local community due to transportation limitations.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Hewes is known for her dedication to supporting her students beyond their academic studies. She encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities and workshops that can help them develop their financial literacy skills and prepare for the future.
Hewes’ commitment to her students and her innovative teaching methods have made her a respected and beloved teacher at Smyrna High School. She is a shining example of educators who go above and beyond to support their students and prepare them for success in the real world. Angie Hewes, a dedicated teacher and coach, plays a crucial role in helping students excel in public speaking opportunities, such as state and national competitions hosted by Business Professionals of America (BPA). She not only provides guidance and support but also instills confidence in her students, helping them overcome any shyness or insecurities they may have.
One of her success stories is Ashton Hartnett, a senior who struggled with bullying and social isolation in middle school. With Hewes’ guidance, Ashton has thrived in public speaking competitions, earning a first-place award in the statewide BPA competition for Presentation Management. His success has led him to qualify for BPA’s National Leadership Conference in Orlando.
Ashton attributes his growth and confidence to Hewes’ unwavering support and mentorship. He acknowledges that while he still has moments of shyness, his self-image has significantly improved under Hewes’ guidance. Hewes, however, modestly downplays her role, referring to herself as a cheerleader, proofreader, and supporter for her students.
Hewes emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and taking on challenges, regardless of the outcome. She encourages her students to push themselves and believes that personal growth and development are just as important as winning competitions.
In a separate educational setting, Seyyed Latif Sharifi has found his calling at Hartvigsen School, a public school catering to students with severe physical and intellectual disabilities in Salt Lake City. Sharifi was deeply touched by the warm welcome he received from the students, with one nonverbal student expressing her affection through a heartfelt hug.
Sharifi’s dedication and passion for teaching have not gone unnoticed, as he has been recognized as the 2024 Granite School District Teacher of the Year and recently received the 2025 Discovery Education Award. This prestigious accolade honors educators who inspire curiosity and connect learning to the world beyond the classroom, accelerating achievement among students.
Felicia Wood, the principal of Hartvigsen School, commends Sharifi for his exceptional commitment to his students and colleagues. She praises his efforts in encouraging paraprofessionals to pursue further education and professional growth, creating a supportive and familial atmosphere within the school community.
Sharifi’s proactive approach to assisting paraprofessionals and advocating for their success showcases his leadership and dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. His impact extends beyond the classroom, making a lasting difference in the lives of both students and staff members at Hartvigsen School. Seyyed Latif Sharifi is a high school teacher, but he goes above and beyond his job description. He helps his students complete college applications, fill out financial aid forms, and update their resumesāoften on his own time. But Sharifi’s true passion lies in advocating for his students’ success, and he has found innovative ways to support them.
One day, Sharifi had a chance encounter with his cousin’s virtual reality headset, which sparked an idea. He realized that virtual reality could be a tool to provide his students with experiences they may never have had the opportunity to enjoy. “Virtual reality could be the link I’d need for my students to enjoy experiences that some have never participated in,” he said.
Through virtual reality, Sharifi has exposed his students to experiences like mountain biking, concerts, and international travel. While it hasn’t been without challenges, as some students may have sensitivities to external stimuli, Sharifi has worked to slowly integrate virtual reality into his lessons. He shared, “For the most part, they’ve bought in, and to hear them audibly squeal with joy during a lesson is what a teacher like me lives for.”
Sharifi’s innovative approach extends beyond virtual reality. He created “Sharifi’s Bistro” as a hands-on learning opportunity for his students. Twice a week, they serve cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee to the school’s students and staff. The students shop for ingredients, help prepare the food, and work the cash register. “They do it with smiles on their faces,” Sharifi noted. “The skills they learn have the potential to follow them into the workforce if that’s where they decide to venture.”
Sharifi’s dedication to his students’ success and his creative teaching methods highlight his commitment to providing a well-rounded education. His efforts go beyond the traditional classroom setting, ensuring that his students have access to opportunities that will prepare them for their future endeavors. The world is full of wonder and amazement, and one of the most fascinating aspects of our planet is the incredible diversity of wildlife that inhabits it. From the depths of the oceans to the highest mountains, there are millions of species of animals that call Earth home.
One of the most iconic and beloved creatures in the animal kingdom is the majestic lion. With its regal mane, powerful physique, and fierce roar, the lion is truly the king of the jungle. These magnificent beasts are found in Africa, where they roam the savannas and grasslands in search of food and water.
Lions are social animals that live in groups called prides. These prides are typically made up of several related females, their offspring, and a few adult males. The females are the primary hunters of the group, using their speed and agility to take down prey such as zebras, antelope, and wildebeest. The males protect the pride and its territory from rival lions and other threats.
One of the most striking features of lions is their roar, which can be heard from several miles away. This powerful vocalization is used to communicate with other members of the pride, as well as to warn off intruders and attract potential mates. The roar of a lion is a truly awe-inspiring sound that sends chills down the spine of anyone lucky enough to hear it in person.
Unfortunately, lions are facing numerous threats in the wild, including habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. As a result, their populations are dwindling, and they are now classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent animals and ensure their survival for future generations to enjoy.
In conclusion, lions are truly one of the most remarkable creatures on Earth. With their beauty, strength, and charisma, they have captured the hearts of people around the world. It is up to us to do everything in our power to protect these magnificent animals and ensure that they continue to roam the savannas of Africa for generations to come.
