MOLINE, Ill. — Each year, WQAD News 8 and Black Hawk Bank and Trust team up to award the five best teachers in our area, nominated by students and selected by last year's winners.
In a small room on the second floor of Moline High School, we found a teacher who's helping build the next generation.
Her name is Shannon Finneran.
Eleventh grader Janey Locander found a way to thank Ms. Finneran for helping her shine in high school.
"When I came into the high school as a freshman I was very shy, very reserved, kept to myself," Janey told us.
She was taught by Ms. Finneran two years ago. Janey said the lessons she learned then have made her a better student and a more confident person now.
"She's still having an impact on me," Janey said. "I'm talking to her and getting her advice on things. So I still see her all the time."
That's the type of impact this six-year veteran at Moline High School says she wants to have with all her students.
"Much more happens when they know they can trust you and go to you as somebody they can go to as a mentor or a shoulder to lean on," said Finneran.
Especially in those tough years as students leave middle school and start classes in a high school environment where they could get lost in a crowd.
That encouragement led Janey to get a Midwest Writing Center writing award and it's why Janey wrote to us to nominate Ms. Finneran for the My Favorite Teacher award.
"The support of my writings has allowed me to be more comfortable and confident in sharing my gifts with others," Janey said. "I am forever grateful for Ms. Finneran and I'm incredibly glad to have her as an important part of my life."
The impact of a teacher can be seen years after the student leaves the classroom.
"I think everybody connects with different teachers and I try to make it a goal to find different ways to relate with different kids," Finneran said.
Both Jayne and Ms. Finneran get a $50 Black Hawk Bank and Trust gift card along with other gifts.