Mental health awareness is highlighted by One Class at a Time winner at Coachella Valley High

Jodie Capper, a Health Academy teacher at Coachella Valley High School in Thermal, has been named the latest winner of the One Class at a Time award.

The academy promotes public and mental health awareness and education for youth and communities in the Coachella Valley.

As the lead for the school's Mental Behavioral Health Pathway, Capper is currently focusing on Psychology with her second year students. The other part of her day is dedicated to working with her advanced med students, typically in their third year, on different types of therapy for the time being.

Ms. Capper has been teaching for 13 years and was nominated for the award by several of her students who commend her for playing an influential role in their lives.

"I was having some problems and I went to talk to her and she helped me overcome these problems," according to Derek Acosta, a senior at Coachella Valley High School.

Ms. Capper said she plans to use the award, made possible through KESQ News Channel 3's partnership with the Walter Clark Legal Group, to help with some of the costs of a club she and her students operate, which aims to raise awareness about mental illness and lowering stigma.

"You have so many accolades and commendations, it's overwhelming. You're loved and everybody appreciates you. Thank you," said attorney Walter Clark.

If you know a deserving teacher you'd like to nominate, or you're an educator and would like to nominate yourself, be sure to do so here: https://kesq.com/one-class-at-a-time/#//

Watch News Channel 3 at 5:00 p.m. tonight for the full story.