Educators in Texas and California were treated to surprise events over the past week where they learned that they had won LifeChanger of the Year awards.
Martha Infante, who is world history teacher at Los Angeles Academy Middle School in California, was announced as one of five finalists for this year’s $10,000 grand prize.
She was recognized for her leadership inside and outside her South Central LA school. She started the Student Travel Program, which has helped students travel to Japan, China and Washington. She helped build the School for Advanced Students for students all over the district. And she’s helped develop professional development programs for her colleagues.
Outside school, she has helped international students and their parents obtain citizenship, and helped runaway students return home. She helped one student on the verge of homelessness enroll at a summer camp, giving the parents time to get back on their feet.
“I have never met a teacher more dedicated to her students and education as Ms. Infante,” Amanda Rorabeck wrote on Martha’s LifeChanger profile page. “Every year she has worked tirelessly to raise money to send students to Washington DC (always successfully) and she has participated in and led a number of organizations devoted to education. She has served as president of the California Council for the Social Studies, for example, and won their ‘Middle School Teacher of the Year’ award.”
As a finalist for the grand prize, Martha will travel to Naples, Fla., next month for our annual Conference of Champions, where the winner will be announced.
In Texas, Don Jackson, is principal of Grapeland Elementary School, where he has helped students in a rural school thrive.
As one of 10 national LifeChanger award winners, Don was presented a check for $1,500 and his school received an equal amount.
He was recognized for making such a difference in his students lives by being visible, available, approachable and accessible. He created the Young Businessmen group, which has instilled in young men the importance of having great character and getting a great education. He gives weekly motivational messages on Wednesdays to bring hope, encouragement and the vision of a successful future.
He has also helped draw parents more directly into school life with monthly call-outs, awards assemblies every six weeks, and connecting more closely with the Grapeland Elementary PTO.
“I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Jackson for several years and I can truly say he had a passion for all students,” Darlene Mosley said in his LifeChanger profile. “He always looked for ways to motivate the students and empower them to make good choices. He served as a mentor for underprivileged males and tried to impact their lives in a positive manner by teaching them life skills that every male should know. He is dedicated to his profession and family and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
In photo at top of page, Don Jackson stands to the left of the banner and National Life’s Donna Kvapil is on the right. And above, Martha Infante holds a bouquet she received at the surprise announcement.