Photos
2022-23 Milken Educators
Photo 26 of 36
CHRISTOPHER NUNEZ (NM '22)
Sonoma Elementary | Las Cruces, NM
When Christopher Nunez heard that one teacher at Sonoma Elementary was about to receive a $25,000 Milken Educator Award, his first thoughts were of his colleagues. "We have great teachers here — I didn't think it would be me," he told us after his surprise Award notification. "When they called my name, I was in shock." It was his fourth graders who snapped him back to reality: "When my class looked up at me, looked in my eyes and started clapping, I knew."
Christopher is a third generation educator. Both his parents teach in Las Cruces Public Schools, and New Mexico Secretary of Education Dr. Kurt Steinhaus worked under Christopher's grandfather, then a principal, when Dr. Steinhaus was still in the classroom. "I teach because I love it," said Christopher. "Educators are the foundation for the future of our country. We're the backbone, and we're ready to help these kids grow up and become great citizens."
All photos should be credited to "Milken Family Foundation" unless otherwise noted.
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