Students from Maine-Endwell High School say many of their teachers are a huge inspiration. 

One of them is social studies teacher Rachel Murat who is also a finalist for the 2019 New York State Teacher of the Year. 

Murat says it's crucial to create a welcoming environment and establish relationships with her students for effective learning, while spreading positivity every day. 

"They are important as human-beings and they can make a difference," said Murat. "It might be a little tiny one but it doesn't matter, it's a difference to somebody, and they have a responsibilty to leave whatever community they are in a place better than what they found it."

"Mrs. Murat has been an amazing influence on my life and so many other teachers here too that I just want to be a teacher because I want to help others and they just do such amazing work," said senior Maeve Verity.

Murat also founded the M-EALS program at school in 2010 which helps feed about 100 students and their families each week.