Mr. Allen Botwick (Choir)
Join the GH Falcon in recognizing Mr. Allen Botwick, Ms. Candi Fernandez and Ms. Cassandra Gaglianese; this year’s nominees for the prestigious ‘Teacher of the Year’ award. These teachers have shown great pride in their work at Green Hope High School (GHHS) through their dedication to teach and engage with students and make a difference in lives. While they all represent different subjects, teaching methods and years of experience, they still share a common commitment to accomplishing their goals as educators.
From an early age, Mr. Botwick knew he wanted to be a chorus teacher and was determined to be employed at a school like Green Hope with an established sense of community. Initially, his goals included building a foundation of community and creating confidence in students where they could feel comfortable around each other especially in a course like chorus. “I’ve always loved music and enjoyed building communities. Teaching chorus allowed me to combine my passion for music and teaching into one place,” he shared in an interview with the GH Falcon. Mr. Botwick’s commitment to both his students and work remained steadfast especially during the time of COVID where classes had to be online, “teaching music online was really hard. Trying to be engaging and build relationships was not easy.”
In the last couple of years, he took nine students to the North Carolina Honors Chorus, sang at Carnegie hall in New York and recorded a record in RCA studios in Nashville. He continues his efforts to make the classroom a place where children can be their most authentic selves. “I want to continually provide extra curricular activities for students passionate about singing. We’re hoping to travel to Europe in June 2026 to Vienna, Salzburg and Munich to check out the music scene,” Mr. Botwick stated.
To him, the classroom is not only for hard work and piles of assignments, but also building stronger relationships through asking engaging questions to build stronger relationships. “I make it a point everyday to ask how my students are doing. My students motivate me. There are some moments where it’s hard to come into work but then I think of how passionate and hardworking my students are and they need a teacher that’s going to come in and mirror that energy,” he shared.
Mr. Botwick views teaching chorus as an art. His students are the canvas and his resources are the brush; through his passion to help students embrace their vulnerability and self esteem he believes he is shaping them into the best true version of themselves. “Keep the spark that made you realise what you wanted to do and hold it close to your heart. There will be challenges and opposition along the way but getting up in front of a group of students and being able to impact their attitude towards school work and life is good work in itself,” he encouraged prospective students and teachers.
Mrs. Cindi Fernandez (Math 1)
While last year was Ms. Fernandez’s first year teaching at GHHS, she has evolved while working through the curriculum in order to be the most beneficial to her students. Ms. Fernandez started teaching because she wanted to help students, especially in math. Her experience with the subject was one full of struggles, defeat and confusion. She wanted students not to feel the way she did struggling in math. “I wanted students to build their confidence because math confidence helps build your confidence in other areas,” she stated. In her teaching journey, Ms. Fernandez strives to help students realize that not excelling in a subject, specifically math, is never rock bottom. “Math is almost always viewed as a gatekeeper; you can only go through a certain path if you’re successful. I want them to understand that they can be successful regardless of what they choose or struggle with; that the door is never closed,” she opened up.
Ms. Fernandez takes great pride in her teaching methods, acknowledging that the system is ever-changing and teachers cannot be dead set on a specific method of teaching, especially when dealing with numerous students. “Teaching is always evolving, we have to adapt to our students’ needs; where they are coming from and what they are struggling with, while at the same time bringing in teaching strategies that are beneficial to them. It’s always an ever-learning process,” the teacher explained. Her favourite part about teaching is the students, “I don’t teach math, I teach students. It’s not just about the math class; it’s about them as a person.” She said her students motivate her daily; she loves helping students improve themselves. She works by her favourite quote from Hannah Brown; ‘Always better tomorrow’. “If you had a great or terrible day, it can always be better tomorrow,” she explained.
Ms. Fernandez admitted how honoured she was to be nominated for this award even with her short tenure at the school. She believes it shows her effectiveness and how diligent she is when working with students.
Ms. Cassandra Gaglianese (Math 1 and 2)
With three years of experience teaching at GHHS, Ms. Gaglianese appreciates being recognized by her peers for the hard work that she puts in every day. She teaches math to help students develop a different and better understanding of the subject. Ms. Gaglianese started at Green Hope as a cheer coach and decided to apply to the math department in hopes to change the environment. Ms. Gaglianese enjoys working with freshmen and sophomores because it allows her to work with the students for at least more than one semester and helps build strong bonds with them. She is also a part of the intervention team at GHHS to assist children outside of the classroom. “I enjoy working with students out of class to help them meet their academic goals and allow them a safe space to come to when they need to,” she said in her interview with the GH Falcon.
Ms. Gaglianese understands how intimidating math can be for students and so her goal is to help every student believe that they truly can be good at the subject, “I try my best to show students easier ways to solve math problems and use terminology that they actually understand.” She also understands that technology is ever changing and the importance of incorporating that into her teaching strategies. “I feel it’s important to use what our students have access to and use everyday in our lessons as technology is keeping education much more relevant and relatable to students,” Ms. Gaglianese explained. She also believes building a trusting relationship with students is vital to their everyday success. “I always make it a priority to learn about my students and their interests as well as being visible outside my class at either sport events or concerts. I want them to know I’m not just their math teacher, I’m a teacher that supports every aspect of their lives,” she said.
Knowing her students rely on her not only with math but also with their everyday life motivates her to come to work daily and carry her job out as best she can. “I want every student to walk out of my classroom at the end of the course feeling confident in themselves and their math skills,” Ms. Gaglianese said.
These teachers are honored to be acknowledged for their hard work and excellence at Green Hope. They hope to continue providing good opportunities and change through their work.
