Nadia Rizzo - Albertus Magnus High School

Mrs. Rizzo is an incredible woman and the best music teacher I ever had. She is extremely kind and funny but she also pushes her students to be the best they can be. She believes in every one of her students and, consequently, helps these students to reach heights they didn't know were possible.

She is very passionate about teaching and music. She is very enthusiastic and fun in class. She is a joy to be around.

Mrs. Rizzo first came to Albertus my sophomore year of high school, and she has completely transformed the music and drama programs since that time. During my time as a student, and since I graduated in 2011, she has nurtured the program to include a remarkable percentage of the school's students in band, choir, and the drama program. She always strives to create a welcoming environment, and some of my best memories from high school took place in her classroom or at rehearsals. She always aims for excellence - but she does so by instilling within her students that excellence is not only possible, it is something they should want for themselves. These lessons manifest themselves in the spectacular productions put on under her direction, and the pride the students have in what they have created. She is a wonderful role model, and a very warmhearted person, and deserves to be honored for all the hard work and long hours she has dedicated to her students.

Mrs. Rizzo is the reason that I am studying at the school of my dreams right now. Four years ago, she took the time out of her schedule to meet with me to help look for music schools and prepare for the auditioning process. When I was accepted to the school I am at now, she pushed me to go here more than any other place. She is one of my greatest supporters, and she is the reason that I am now preparing to go into what I've wanted to do since meeting her: Teaching music.