Eisenhower Elementary School kindergarten paraprofessional Angie Orth has been nominated for the 2019-2020 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Orth was nominated by her colleague, Kelly McClure, for going above and beyond to support her students. She was recently given the challenge of working one-on-one with a kindergarten student who had been in and out of foster care throughout his entire life. Although he began the school year with extremely high anxiety, Orth slowly helped him become adjusted to the school environment.
“Ms. Orth is so patient and compassionate, not only with him, but with every student she works with,” McClure said. “She has been open to learning anything she can in order to effectively reach students with extensive trauma. She is always willing to jump in and help with anything she can. Even though she faces challenges herself, she carries herself with dignity and strength.”
About LifeChanger of the Year
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2019-2020 school year.
One Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000 to be shared with his or her school/district.
Four Grand Prize Finalists will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
Ten LifeChanger Award Winners will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
The Spirit Award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with his or her school/district.
The Spotlight Award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. For 2019-2020, the Spotlight Award will be given to a nominee who has made a proven impact on school safety. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with his or her school or district.
Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The grand prize finalists will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in April 2020 in Florida, where the Grand Prize Winner will be revealed.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must
• Make a positive impact in the lives of students
• Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride
• Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
• Possess a proven record of professional excellence
• Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
• Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards
A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.
To view Ms. Orth’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.
