A Siegel High School Latin teacher has the "fever," and her students are catching it too.

Students say Bonnie Tinsley's passion for Latin makes them eager to learn the language.

Tinsley's love of Latin and her ability to pass it on is one of the reasons she was awarded the highest recognition given by a state association when she received the Tennessee Classical Association's Distinguished Latin Teaching Award for 2008.

"Her nomination was the obvious choice to us," said Christopher Craig, chair of the selection committee.

According to her award letter, Tinsley was chosen unanimously by the committee, which included Latin teachers from across Tennessee.

"For the very best teachers ... it's an affirmation that what they have been doing is the right thing and that they need to keep doing it," Craig said.

Tinsley is the first Rutherford County teacher to receive the award, which dates back to 1981.

She was chosen based on the numerous awards her students have received.

"You catch her fever," said Amy Beth Wilson, a senior in Tinsley's AP Latin class. "She's really involved with what she's teaching, and she's really engaged."

Tinsley takes her students on field trips to further their learning.

Her AP students said she incorporates philosophical discussions into class.

"She really cares about human causes, and she tries to pass that on to us," said Amber Williams, a senior.

Tinsley started teaching Latin at Oakland in January 2000 because her daughter needed a Latin teacher when she attended Oakland.

She came to Siegel when it opened in 2003 with Principal Ken Nolan, who had hired her at Oakland.

For much her career, she has been a professional writer and worked in Singapore for five years in the country's public affairs. Tinsley wrote two books about gardens in Singapore, aided greatly by her knowledge of Latin, and is working on a third book.

"There are just so many avenues of life that you travel better if you take Latin," Tinsley said.

It even helps students perform better on the verbal section of the ACT and SAT, college entrance exams.

"Mrs. Tinsley has an obvious love and appreciation for Latin," said Nolan. "She loves her students and wants them to have opportunities the Latin language affords."