Brooklyn McElroy, a science teacher at Lebanon High School, Amber Arceo-Bigoni, an agriculture teacher at Sweet Home High School, and Serenity Wilson, an elementary teacher at Hawthorne, are participating in the “America’s Favorite Teacher” competition for a chance to help their school, inspire their students and support The Planetary Society.
Currently in round four of nine elimination rounds, McElroy is placing second in her group, Arceo-Bigoni is in sixth in her group, and Wilson is in second place in her group. Round four ends at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16.
For the teachers who place in the top five of their group, they will go on to the next round to compete for first place in their group, which will move them on to the next level of rounds.
The competition is a fundraiser to benefit The Planetary Society, which supports the advancement of space science and exploration, but also provides a cash prize to the winner who will use the money to help their school.
Voters can cast one free vote a day, or donate to the cause for additional votes.
McElroy said that, as a science teacher, she’s passionate about supporting the local community. By participating in this competition, she’s placing herself in a position to win $25,000, which she intends to put toward the rebuilding of the high school’s Heath Stadium, which was recently demolished due to structural damage.
“This historic space hosts football games, track meets, graduations and community events,” she said. “I want to give back to the students and community who welcomed me with open arms by helping preserve a safe, meaningful gathering place full of memories and school pride for future generations.”
Arceo-Bigoni plans to split the cash prize into scholarships and to purchase better demonstrative equipment for her engine and hydraulics lab.
“I would also try and use it to start a heavy equipment operator program at my school,” she said.
Wilson wants to invest the money into her school’s playground.
“We are working to make the playground more accessible for the students,” Wilson said. “I would also put it towards school supplies to provide for students who can’t afford to bring any in. I was that kid in school who could not afford to bring in supplies, so I don’t want any students to ever have to experience that.”
If McElroy, Arceo-Bigoni or Wilson win, they will also be awarded a trip to Hawaii and a feature in Reader’s Digest, and Bill Nye “the Science Guy” will visit their school for a motivational assembly.
“I became a science teacher because I love creating experiences students enjoy and remember years later,” McElroy said. “Teaching allows me to spark curiosity and build confidence while preparing future mothers and fathers, engineers, doctors, nurses, scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs and world leaders. Every lesson helps students learn to think critically, solve problems and use science to shape their futures and improve the world around them.”
For Arceo-Bigoni, being a teacher means being an influence to those who may be feeding the future world.
“The average farmer in America is over 75 years old,” she said. “We need new generations of tradesmen, farmers, ranchers, researchers and engineers to feed the world. I can help start a small drop in that big pond.”
And for Wilson, she said she became a teacher so she could provide a safe space at school for the kids who need it.
“When I was in school, I needed a safe space; I needed a place to go where I felt comfortable and seen,” she said. “I became a teacher because I want to be a safe space for children. I want to make a difference, even if it is one small change.”
To vote for McElroy, visit AmericasFavTeacher.org/2026/brooklyn-mcelroy
To vote for Arceo-Bigoni, visit AmericasFavTeacher.org/2026/amber-r-arceo-bigoni
To vote for Wilson, visit AmericasFavTeacher.org/2026/serenity-wilson