Journalism teacher Samantha Berry was awarded 2015 Spotlight teacher of the Year on Feb. 27, an award only 86 teachers out of 7000 in Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District[CFISD] receive.

Berry has found teaching a way to help kids grow and she looks forward to her third year teaching for CFISD next year.

“[Teaching is] more than just content, curriculum and test scores; it’s about making relationships with kids and helping make them adults,” Berry said. “It’s about helping them live their lives, and being the counselor and adviser and sometimes a friend when you need to help them day to day.”

Berry was surprised to receive this award and was honored to be nominated by her peers.

“It’s very overwhelming, especially in a school with such great teachers, to be recognized by them is overwhelming,” she said. “To have the chance to represent the school and be chosen by such wonderful people is humbling. It’s just a blessing.”