By Grace Madlem and Lily Soto

Scott Allen, Grady 2014-2015 teacher of the year, won district teacher of the year for 2015-2016 on Oct 29.

“I think a lot of it had to do with the connection and the relationship I foster with my students,” Allen said. “I try to keep the atmosphere pretty light in general.”

Allen, along with two other nominees from APS, one elementary school and one middle school teacher, wrote extensive papers, filmed lessons and completed a lengthy qualifying process after being nominated.

“He’s willing to help you with anything even though it’s a very hard subject, and he makes Latin fun which is a dead language,” junior Maggie Miller said. “He makes the dead fun.”

Allen said that all of his commitments are beginning to take their toll. Between his normal Grady duties, such as managing Latin club and his multiple sections of a regular Latin class, Allen is also managing a growing family and the recent honor.

“It really feels overwhelming right now, and I’m not sure that I’m juggling things that well,” Allen said.

It’s clear, however, that his new stress is not making an impact on the quality of his teaching.

“He really works hard at his job, and shows the students his love of Latin everyday through the curriculum he outlines,” junior Bailey Damiani said. “He makes the students care about Latin more than if he didn’t have an actual interest and passion for the subject.”

Besides making Latin interesting, Allen also helps his students learn by using creative teaching methods including songs and games so that every student benefits.

“He’s really enthusiastic about everything, he’s really good at his job and he really cares about his students,” sophomore Annie Zintak said.