Desert Mirage school teacher awarded cruise for 2

GLENDALE, Ariz. (FOX 10) - Every day is an opportunity to learn something new and for Desert Mirage school teacher Sabine Bachner, it was an experience she will never forget.

"I can't even really think about it yet," she said.

Dedicated to the school and her students, even after her family was devastated by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, through tough times, Sabine finds refuge in her passion -- teaching.

Which is why the school awarded her with a little extra credit -- an all expense paid Caribbean cruise for two.

"I feel this energy from my students and I love to live in the moment, so I don't think about what's happened in the past," she said. "I want to be now. I want to be a person that has an influence that can change things and teaching and being in the classroom is the best way."

"She teaches us in a way that is very unique way that helps us a lot," said seventh-grader Roberto Cardenas. "She's always there. We're very grateful for that."

Celebrating the launch of a new program for seventh-grade students, the school has also announced Sabine will lead as head teacher in charge of "Next Level Academy," the school's new curriculum for science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

The S.T.E.A.M. Academy and unexpected cruise trip for two are both a reward and the school says no one is more deserving of.

"I don't know how to say thank you, but I really appreciated this huge token of appreciation," Bachner said.