LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — Christine Gomez finished an exciting school year at Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes. She was awarded Teacher of the Year there. Gomez has been teaching civic education for 12 years.

“I’ve had a passion for civics and American history, law pretty much from the age of these students that I teach,” said Gomez.

She’s been teaching at Imagine School at Land O’ Lakes for four years.

”Knowing the impact that I can have on the next generation, being a part of their lives, not just seeing them grow academically but also developing their character, is truly important to me. And I do see teaching as a service to my country,” said Gomez.

Gomez wants her to students to feel supported in her classroom and when they’re pursing their passions. She started a program called TeaCHEERS.

“We have teachers writing handwritten notes that the students would get on game day that say, ‘Great job out there. We’re supporting you. We believe in you. And remember what it means to be an ‘Imagine Dragon,’” said Gomez.

Those notes are written for students doing any activity outside of school. That’s one way Gomez connects with her students.

“If I can build up confidence in these students and also I can build that relationship with students, they start to see that they start to excel in all areas of their life,” said Gomez.

She says she is already looking forward to having an impact on another group of students next school year.

“To know that the impact that I can have on these students, I don’t take that lightly at all. It’s really an honor so when I have new students come in, I know for whatever reason I’m meant to be their teacher for that year, and it’s very exciting for me.”

Over the summer, Gomez says she’ll be working on a presentation for a forum in August with other Imagine Schools.