The Hamilton school district stood out to Mrs. Lindsey Handley almost immediately after graduating from Hope College.

"After graduation from Hope, I substitute taught in a lot of different districts and I could see from subbing at several different elementary buildings here in Hamilton, what an impressive district it was," Handley said. "I loved how the staff was interacting with each other and connecting with the students."

Now in her sixth year of teaching at Blue Star Elementary, it's all about those connections for Handley.

"My main goal as a teacher is to build really strong relationships with these kids. Yes, I'm here to help them become a better reader and writer but also help them become the best versions of themselves and the best humans they can be."