Big Sandy teacher Autumn Ratliff nominated her student Nathaniel Decker for recognition as a future scientist. To the delight of everyone, Nathaniel won an amazing award!
Nathaniel, a 10-year-old fifth grader at Big Sandy School, is the son of Kristen Decker, and has been Ratilff’s student for the past three years. Ratliff submitted an essay about him through Wonder Works in Pigeon Forge. Below is what she wrote in his nomination:
“Nathaniel is such bright light in a tough world. I have been his teacher for the past three years and loved watching him blossom over those years. He absolutely loves everything to do with science, but his favorite things are natural disasters and weather.
I call him the class meteorologist because I know one day that he will be on the news. I think he has read every weather book in the school. He’s also a whiz at social studies and math, and just an overall great kiddo!
Nathaniel is absolutely deserving of this award because he also shows strength through adversity. He’s only known having a single mother his whole life, so he’s had to step up and be a leader for his mom. He is the older brother to three siblings and is a great role model to everyone around. He is such a smart, silly young man who has me laughing and smiling almost every day.”
Ratliff said she nominated Nathaniel for the future scientist award because he is such a great student and lover of science. When he was selected for the future scientist award, he won four free passes to Wonder Works in Pigeon Forge. He also gets to schedule a Zoom meeting with astronaut Dr. Don Thomas.
“Congratulations to my little weatherman!” said Ratliff. “I am so proud and excited for you.”
