ORLANDO, Fla. — Samantha Hudson‘s students really keep her on her toes. The Howard Middle School A+ Teacher was nominated for all the time and effort she dedicates to her students as they express themselves through dance.

Hudson can relate to her students’ dedication.

"A lot of these dancers are in this class dance outside of school, and they dance multiple hours, so it's not just me teaching them," she said. "They're learning so much out of school." 

Hudson was raised in Orlando and started dancing at the early age of 5.

"I was just a wiggle worm when I was younger, and my mom just thought it would be a great idea to get me into something that kept me busy," she said.

Being busy is an understatement for Hudson. She's competed at regional and national competitions and studied dance at Valencia College and then New World School of the Arts in Miami.

"It was never the same. Every class had a different teacher or a different style … different movements that I was learning, so it just kept it fresh for me," she recalled.

The leap to teaching for Hudson was completely unexpected.

"When I came back from school, I started teaching at the studio I grew up at, and I think that's when it ignited my passion for teaching," Hudson said. "I was really connected to those students, and this opportunity at Howard just landed in my lap."

Six years into her teaching career, Hudson has never looked back.

"It's just growing every year, and I love everything about this program," she said. "It's like, 'Alright this is where I belong.' "