Monteen Denise Gates

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPH:

I grew up on Grove Street and within the Middletown school system. This photo signifies something that I really enjoy doing. I am a paraprofessional with special needs kids, and I've been there for approximately 14 years. I'm a retiree from AK Steel, and I've worked with the school system for the past 14 years. I feel like I've missed my calling, because the kids that I work with, whether they are physically or mentally handicapped, I don't feel like they get enough attention and love. So I have children that I get to love on each and every day.

Middie Pride is a beautiful thing because there is somebody in the world in all different types of fields that came through Middletown High School, and I'm proud about that. Very proud.