SAN MARCOS, Calif. — The San Diego County Credit Union is honoring a San Marcos teacher for his longtime commitment to students.
In this Zevely Zone, CBS 8 partnered with SDCCU at San Marcos High School to celebrate a 'Classroom Hero'.
Every teacher finds their own special way to connect with students and at San Marcos High this month's Classroom Hero has it down to a fine art.
"How are we doing gentlemen?" said Mr. Brady Stout. "Nice work, that's how you do it!"
Shaping clay and students are two of teacher's favorite things.
Mr. Stout has a hands-on approach to teaching and circles his classroom with his hands covered in clay.
"Yes, I get to play with mud for a living," he laughed.
The sculpture and ceramics teacher sees potential in every child. "Yeah, everyone is an artist. They walk through my door they are an artist," said Mr. Stout.
Every piece of art created in Mr. Stout's classroom is as diverse as the students themselves.
When Maddie Zapien was struggling with mental health issues, Mr. Stout was there for her to help her tap into a hidden talent.
"I was going through a really hard time. I stopped going to school completely," said Maddie. "This class is literally why I am where I am today."
The same can be said about student Evelina Korshynska. "It wasn't safe for us to stay there," said Evelina who is a war refugee from Ukraine.
She couldn't speak English on her first day of class.
Guess how Mr. Stout greeted her?
"He told me like hello how are you in Ukrainian and I already knew he is going to be my best teacher," said Evelina.
Mr. Stout started teaching at San Marcos High 26 years ago and never left. He is considered to be the cool teacher on campus.
"I would say so, yes," said Andres Ramos.
He was a student in Mr. Stout's class who became a professional potter. "I've seen my pots in restaurants in Encinitas all over North County," said Andres who is is now an arts specialist in Mr. Stout's class.
He helps students make thousands of bowls for the Empty Bowl Project.
"His love for the art is contagious almost," said student Kaz Trinidad.
Over the past 15 years, Kaz and fellow students have helped Mr. Stout raise more than $83,000 to feed hungry families.
"Being able to connect my passion for this to something bigger is such a full heart feeling," said Kaz. Mr. Stout sees every piece of pottery and student as a work in progress.
I asked Kaz what she thought Mr. Stout was molding her into. "I hope a better human," said Kaz with a smile.
As for Maddie Zapien, her life is back on track.
"He really helped me, especially since this is what what he does, ha, ha," she laughed.
Mr. Stout had a tear in his eye when he heard what Maddie said about his teaching skills.
"It chokes me up to see the transformative power of art," said Mr. Stout. "I love any opportunity to show off what my kids do. Greatest job in the world without a doubt."
Mr. Stout was surrounded by his students and representatives from SDCCU as I said, "Congratulations Mr. Stout. This is a $500 Visa Gift Card for you. We honor you as this month's Classroom Hero." The students then went wild with a long standing ovation. Every Classroom Hero receives a five hundred dollar Visa Gift Card provided by the San Diego County Credit Union. If you'd like to nominate a teacher who you think is a Classroom Hero, click here.