School: Lafayette Meadows Elementary

Grade/subject teaching: Second grade

Education: University of Saint Francis, bachelor’s degree

Years teaching: 7

City born and raised: Woodburn

Current hometown: Fort Wayne

Family: Married to Nick Ankenbruck; two daughters, Whitney and Marin

Last book read: “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

Favorite teacher: My fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Schroeder, and in high school, Mrs. Moore (my mom). They both made learning fun.

Favorite class in school: English

Favorite teaching memory: When my past students still come in my classroom to visit me and my current students laugh while they are learning.

What is your favorite thing to do over winter break? Spend every second with my daughters, Nick and both of our families.

Nominated by: Brian Hutner

Reason for nomination: “Kara is always positive, cheerful, and encouraging withher students. She is a teacher that takes the extra step to make learning enjoyable. She really makes learning an active process while fostering growth for her students.”

– Devon Haynie