You know, the cool one who's usually nice but is stern when needed "and isn't so much 'Do what I say and don't bother me type'," said Christian Medrano, an eighth grader in Odell's Carrington Middle School band class. "She's very interactive."

Odell, 41, brings an energy to her students that some adults would envy, especially since she arrives to work at 5 a.m., teaches through the day and then oversees the school's sports program as athletic director.

Her dedication is one reason she was recently named the N.C. Middle School Association Region 3 Teacher of the Year. The region covers 10 counties throughout eastern and central North Carolina, including Wake, Wilson, Halifax and Northampton counties. She will be honored during the association's statewide conference in March.

What gets her through the day are the moments when students get it.

"I love this age group because it is a very challenging time in their lives but I thrive in those beginning stages of learning how to play an instrument," she said. "The whole social awareness of who they are and who they want to be. You can build relationships with these kids that can last forever."

Most teachers say their profession was a calling, but it seemed more like destiny for Odell. She played school while growing up and often helped her teachers with whatever they needed.

She came to Carrington in 1991, straight out of college, "and I'm sure I'll die here as well." She has taken on a number of responsibilities, including band director, fine arts group team leader, assistant softball coach, tennis coach and the lead teacher for the school district's middle school band directors. She is a two-time Carrington teacher of the year and was in the top 10 for the honor on the district level.

"Ms. Odell puts her whole heart into everything she does," said the school's principal, Julie Spencer. "She always follows through on everything she promises and always keeps the best interests of children in the center. She goes above and beyond in many ways."

She's also about the music and is "crazy fun" in the classroom, said Kaitlyn Wagner, an eighth grader in Odell's band class.

"She wants to make sure it sounds good all the time or just don't play it," Kaitlyn said. "She knows you're good, so don't play it if you're not going to use all of your talent."

During a recent class, Odell showed her students a video clip of Lucien Barbarin, Harry Connick Jr.'s trombone player.

"What type of mute is he using?" she asked the class.

"A toilet plunger," one student said.

"Yup."

"A used one," another student asked.

"Not a used toilet plunger, but you can go to the hardware store," Odell replied, a slight smile to her face. "They make very specialized ones."