When a music teacher is named Teacher of the Year for an entire state, one just know a special story awaits. The narrative of Heidi Welch, director of music at Hillsboro-Deering High School in New Hampshire, does not disappoint. Welch, who grew up in abject poverty and was often homeless, developed her love of music through memorizing and singing song lyrics in the family car. When the Welches finally settled in Manchester, New Hampshire, in time for Heidi's high school years, her experience in the music program at Central High School changed the course of her life. This year, almost a quarter of the students in the 400-strong high school are chorus members. Welch also teaches a cappella choir, concert band, musical theatre, music theory, and American history through music. And that doesn't include the work she does as music director at her church, or the leading role she plays in local theatre. Music "had never been a priority around here, so I basically built the program, and always felt tremendously supported," she says about her early days at Hillsboro. "It really only took two years. I knew in my gut it would work for this school." With her designation as New Hampshire's candidate for 2013 national Teacher of the Year, Welch is in a position to share her wisdom with educators around the country.