Stacie Martin was recently presented with the last teacher of the year award Rider will ever give out. 

Winning this award is already a big accomplishment, but getting it during the last year of Rider makes it more special. Martin has had previous nominations back in 2012, but this is her first win.

“I did have a previous nomination in 2012, but back then there were at least three nominees from each secondary school,” Martin said. “I think it is a bit more significant getting it now though.”

Martin was very surprised at her win.

“Getting the award was a surprise,” Martin said. “I was really shocked.”

Being the head of the science department, Martin works very hard and has been working at Rider for over 30 years, but she was not expecting this win.

“So many teachers at Rider are more deserving in my opinion,” Martin said. “I owe a big thanks to my department, admin, and the whole faculty. I work with pretty amazing people.”

Making the moment even more special was her daughter Hannah getting to be the person who handed her the award.

“I think the best part was getting to share the moment with Hannah,” Martin said. “She knows how much Rider means to me and I hope it made her proud.”

Chemistry isn’t every student’s favorite class, but when you have a hard-working teacher like Martin, it can make learning fun and understandable. Her winning on Rider’s last year was a fitting way for it end.