BREVARD, N.C. (WLOS) -- At Brevard Academy, fifth graders eagerly mold, then show off their renaissance themed sculptures.

"I always say I would rather see something weird and interesting than perfect any day of the week," the long time teacher said.

Jenny Geer-Hardwick says she didn't have much confidence in her art as a kid, but, in college, that changed.

"When I went to college, I discovered sculpture, and that was the first thing I ever did that made me feel 'oh, wow, I can do this!" she said.

Geer-Hardwick said she didn't pursue art as a profession. She already had other plans.

"I've always loved children, and I got a job as a regular classroom teacher," Geer-Hardwick said.

She spent more than 10 years teaching nearly every grade at Brevard Academy. When the art teacher opening came up two years ago, Geer-Hardwick knew blending her love of children with her love of art at the school she loved was the perfect combination.

"It's my favorite thing I never knew I always wanted," the longtime teacher said with a laugh.

"She does such a great job making art a place where all students can feel successful," Brevard Academy School Director Ted Duncan said. Duncan nominated the art teacher for Thanks to Teachers, complimenting Geer-Hardwick on integrating her students' regular studies into their art.

"For example, if they are studying the renaissance, which is what they are studying right now in fifth grade, she's going to be doing renaissance art work in the art class, which makes it a real coherent situation for the students, and they can just really get into art that way," Duncan said.

"I'm still teaching them all the elements of art and the principles of design, but, I'm just combining it with what they're already learning in class," Geer-Hardwick said, adding "I've been happy every day!"