While getting ready for the students vs. staff volleyball game, dance teacher Nataly Garza noticed all her student smiling and acting secretive. As they started walking towards her, she heard assistant principal Allison Reams announce an award. When she heard her name, the crowd immediately cheered as she was handed flowers.

“I thought I was dreaming for a second,” Garza said. “I was like, ‘What’s happening?'”

Garza was awarded the “Red Apple First Year Teacher of the Year,” given to one first year teacher at each campus, during the student vs. staff volleyball game.

Garza said she felt shocked when she first heard her named called. All she can remember is how unreal it felt.

“I did not know I was nominated,” Garza said. “I didn’t even know it was an award. It felt so just like unreal in the moment.”

Freshman Leah Hilou said she was immediately on board to hand the award to Garza.

“I was so excited to be offered the chance to be one of the first ones to congratulate her, especially on a very much well deserved award,” Hilou said.

Sophomore Emily Palma Salazar said she was really happy when she found out Garza won the award because she deserves it.

“Even though it’s her first year, she has been such an amazing role model for all of us,” Salazar said.

Junior Alondra Soto said she felt excited giving Garza the award, because she brings positivity to the dance team.

“When I was asked to hand Garza the award, I felt honored because Garza is a teacher everyone could come to for help,” Soto said.

Garza said that seeing all her effects be recognized is reassuring that she’s doing a good job even when it doesn’t feel like it.

“Being a first year teacher isn’t easy,” Garza said. “So getting that reassurance that I am doing something right, and that other people also see my efforts every day and all the things I do felt really great.”

Salazar said she’s grateful that she got to have Garza her dance teacher this year because they get along very well.

“She’s always understanding and is such a joy to be around,” Salazar said.

Hilou said Garza always believes in them and constantly pushes them to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.

“She does her best to make sure that every one of her students feels seen and welcome,” Hilou said.