LifeChanger of the Year
Just reading the things that so many people had to say about how I helped them, it’s been an incredible experience. It’s a great feeling to know your efforts are truly recognized and appreciated by so many.
Montpellier, VT (PRWEB) November 24, 2014
National Life Group’s national LifeChanger of the Year award program announced today the launch of the LifeChanger of the Year Holiday Gift Campaign for 2014-2015.
The holiday season is a great time to give thanks to outstanding teachers and school employees who work hard throughout the year to make a positive difference in the lives of students. Being nominated for an award and recognized by their school community for doing what they love can be a gift with many rewards.
LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program that recognizes and rewards K-12 school district educators and employees from around the country who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. Each year ten national winners are selected to receive a personal cash award and a matching donation for their school. This year’s Grand Prize is $10,000.
Betty Chandler, National Grand Prize Winner for 2013-2014, has worked for Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida for more than 55 years. As a Parent Resource Liaison, Chandler, 75, is a strong advocate for students and families in need. She works endless hours making sure children have food, shoes and clothes and has established partnerships with many community agencies in order to provide access for parents and students to much-needed resources. She is also there to listen when they just need a friend. Her efforts have helped to ensure that at-risk students are prepared to succeed in the classroom and the community.
“I could never have imagined I would win an award like this one, but even before the winners were selected, I felt like a LifeChanger,” said Chandler. “Just reading the things that so many people had to say about how I helped them, it’s been an incredible experience. It’s a great feeling to know your efforts are truly recognized and appreciated by so many,” said Chandler.
Nominating an inspirational K-12 school district employee or teacher is easy to do. There is no cost to nominate someone, and anyone—including parents, administrators, fellow school district employees, students (with approval from an adult), and other members of the community—can nominate any full-time K-12 school district employee.
During the Holiday Season (November 24, 2014 – January 1, 2015) new nominees will be sent an extra gift of appreciation. Each new nominee will receive a holiday gift package which includes a limited edition “2014-2015 LifeChanger of the Year Nominee” ceramic mug and a personal holiday message from their nominator.
In addition to receiving holiday gifts, LifeChanger of the Year makes sure every nominee knows how much they are appreciated by their school community in the following ways:
- Building a unique profile on the website for each nominee so that their story can be shared. Colleagues, students, friends and family – anyone who supports the nominee – can visit the profile and leave comments. Comments are often simple thank you messages, congratulations, or stories about the nominee
- Engaging each nominee’s local community by sharing their profiles and stories on Facebook and Twitter, sending congratulatory posters for display to school administrators, and encouraging the school community to celebrate their nomination
“Last year on Christmas Eve, I sat in the quiet of my apartment reading all of the comments parents, students, and teachers left on my nominee profile page,” said Susan Turner, a 6th Grade World History Teacher and former LifeChanger of the Year winner from Hollywood, Florida. “The comments are the best gift I have ever received. For me, they are the award.”
In the spring, the national LifeChanger of the Year selection committee, which is made up of former winners and other school district employees, will review all nominations and choose the ten winners for the 2013-14 school year based on the following criteria:
- A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students
- An ability to positively add to the development of the school's atmosphere
- A leader in his or her activities at the school and/or district level
- A proven record of excellent performance at the professional level
- A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere
To nominate an outstanding teacher or school district employee this holiday season, visit LifeChangerof theYear.com/nominate. The Holiday Gift Campaign deadline is January 1, 2015.