DELAND, Fla. — The grandparent of a student nominated Wylie Tucker as an A+ Teacher, saying that he has a true passion for making each school day fun by giving high fives when deserved but providing tough love when needed.

It is easy to see why students love Tucker’s physical education class at St. Barnabas Episcopal School in DeLand.

“If I can make a difference in one kid’s life in this one day or this one school year, I think it’s been a success,” said Tucker, who is also athletic director. “You know, I’ve been doing this here at St. Barnabas for 11-plus years, and I just have a passion for kids.”

Tucker said the kids keep him motivated year after year.

“It’s not many people that can come dressed like me and say, ‘I’m headed to work and to be in an atmosphere where we put the Lord first’," Tucker said. "It’s pretty easy. The motivation is just coming in and just loving on these kids every day.”

Tucker admits his love for working with students started early on.

“When I was in college, I had a passion for coaching. I got lucky," he said. "I was named head basketball coach at a college at age 21, and from there, it brought me to Stetson University, where I spent 15 years as one of their assistant men’s basketball coach(es) and eventually their associate head coach.”

He absolutely loves what he’s doing now.

“Now there’s no pressure in winning. It’s just a passion of making a difference with these kids. I don’t care if they can run or not, jump high, athletic or not. It doesn’t matter. They’re all God’s children, and I love them all,” he said.