Germantown, Tennessee-April 11, 2022--The March Teacher of the Month was awarded to Ms. Nicole Chrestman, a Psychology and Advanced Placement Psychology teacher at Houston High School. She has a true passion for her subject and has worked diligently to evolve and build the school's psychology program into something remarkable. One of her fellow instructors describes her as "one of the most dedicated, hardworking and talented teachers that I've had the privilege of working with in over 28 years of teaching."
Equally noteworthy are Ms. Chrestman's relationships with her students. Her positive attitude and sincere love for her students shines through in all her interactions, whether they're during lessons or in the hallway between classes. One student described her teaching methods as "filled with joy - she teaches in a memorable fashion!" Thanks to Ms. Chrestman's time and effort, her students are truly excited about learning.
The March Youth Excellence Award was presented to Sam Brackett, a senior at Houston High School. Sam is a positive, service-minded leader at his school, displaying enthusiasm for both academics and extracurricular activities.
Throughout high school, he has maintained a perfect grade point average, taking many of the most rigorous classes the school offers. He is also a three-year member of the Houston Varsity Soccer Team and plays competitive club soccer with the Germantown Legends, leading as captain for the past two years. Sam is also creative and motivated. During the pandemic, he taught himself how to play the guitar, built a computer and received a Germantown Municipal School District award for developing a COVID tracking and management app for GMSD Task Force officials. Dedicated to serving his community, he also regularly volunteers at his church's homeless ministry and, last summer, served as a volunteer camp counselor at Lakeshore Camp.
Perhaps most importantly, every nomination for this award describes Sam as brave and selfless. His father, diagnosed with Leukemia, needs a stem cell transplant. Sam quickly volunteered to go through the testing process and was found to be a match. Sam never thought twice about helping his father and has managed the accompanying physical and emotional challenges with grace and courage, stepping up to become head of his household in managing family responsibilities. As one nominator describes him, "Sam has always shown discipline, strength and resolve in his schoolwork, athletics and life activities. He always amazes me with his achievements."
Each month during the school year, the Germantown Education Commission honors a teacher and student. Winners are selected from those nominated by parents, students, teachers or school administrators. Youth Excellence Award winners must be a high school senior living in Germantown but can attend any school. Teacher of the Month award winners must teach in a public or private school within Germantown. For more information about Education Commission awards for students and teachers, visit https://www.germantown-tn.gov/government/city-boards-commissions/education.
Equally noteworthy are Ms. Chrestman's relationships with her students. Her positive attitude and sincere love for her students shines through in all her interactions, whether they're during lessons or in the hallway between classes. One student described her teaching methods as "filled with joy - she teaches in a memorable fashion!" Thanks to Ms. Chrestman's time and effort, her students are truly excited about learning.
The March Youth Excellence Award was presented to Sam Brackett, a senior at Houston High School. Sam is a positive, service-minded leader at his school, displaying enthusiasm for both academics and extracurricular activities.
Throughout high school, he has maintained a perfect grade point average, taking many of the most rigorous classes the school offers. He is also a three-year member of the Houston Varsity Soccer Team and plays competitive club soccer with the Germantown Legends, leading as captain for the past two years. Sam is also creative and motivated. During the pandemic, he taught himself how to play the guitar, built a computer and received a Germantown Municipal School District award for developing a COVID tracking and management app for GMSD Task Force officials. Dedicated to serving his community, he also regularly volunteers at his church's homeless ministry and, last summer, served as a volunteer camp counselor at Lakeshore Camp.
Perhaps most importantly, every nomination for this award describes Sam as brave and selfless. His father, diagnosed with Leukemia, needs a stem cell transplant. Sam quickly volunteered to go through the testing process and was found to be a match. Sam never thought twice about helping his father and has managed the accompanying physical and emotional challenges with grace and courage, stepping up to become head of his household in managing family responsibilities. As one nominator describes him, "Sam has always shown discipline, strength and resolve in his schoolwork, athletics and life activities. He always amazes me with his achievements."
Each month during the school year, the Germantown Education Commission honors a teacher and student. Winners are selected from those nominated by parents, students, teachers or school administrators. Youth Excellence Award winners must be a high school senior living in Germantown but can attend any school. Teacher of the Month award winners must teach in a public or private school within Germantown. For more information about Education Commission awards for students and teachers, visit https://www.germantown-tn.gov/government/city-boards-commissions/education.