Molly Lithgow has been a teacher at Santa Fe High for four years now, making the class of 2016 her first graduating class. “This class has a special place in my heart,” Ms. Lithgow said. “I’m going to miss the kids that I started with.”

Ms. Lithgow, who grew up in Santa Fe, graduated from Santa Fe High in 2005. She attended New Mexico State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education with a minor in Restaurant Management. She will complete her graduate degree from New Mexico Highlands University this fall.

Ms. Lithgow said she has always loved to cook and wanted to share her passion with other people. Since she was a little girl she knew she wanted to be a teacher. “It was the perfect fit,” she explained. “I found two things that I love, and it all came together.” Ms. Lithgow teaches ProStart I, ProStart II, ProStart Internship and Bakery 2.

While a senior in high school, Ms. Lithgow met the man she would later marry. She and her husband, Jason, attended NMSU together and have been married for five years. They welcomed their first child in July 2014, a baby girl, Madison.

Before Madison was born, Ms. Lithgow said, “All my time was dedicated to school and work.” But now things have changed: “She’s all I want to focus on. She has changed my life, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

When Ms. Lithgow isn’t in the classroom making a positive impact on students’ lives, she loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys camping, going out to eat and trying new fun activities with Madison.