Teams from National Life continued popping up across the country over the past week surprising educators with the news that they’re finalists for the LifeChanger of the Year grand prize.
That included Jennifer Lemoine, a gifted and talented specialist at Red Hawk Ridge Elementary School in Aurora, Colo.; and Samuel King, the recently retired head custodian at Belle Glade Elementary School in Belle Glade, Fla.
Jennifer was recognized for her willingness and ability to jump in and accommodate the varied needs of the more “challenging” students in her school, according to her nominator.
“Some students simply needed sound-canceling headphones, while others needed a calm place to go in the room (she built a fort for this),” her nomination said. “Many students needed food, and one needed to be by her side petting her hair to be soothed. If she feels a student needs more than she can offer, she fiercely advocates for that student. Her room has always been a place where students from other classes come to ‘take a break.’ She connects with these students and makes them feel a purpose for being at school.”
She’s also purchased a bed for a student who didn’t have one, bought another shoes and even got a lunch box for a student who was embarrassed to eat because she always only had a paper bag.
Samuel was recognized for his lifetime of commitment – more than four decades – to the community at Belle Glade. He volunteered as the football coach at Glades central High School for 20 years. He also mentored and advocated for the emotional behavioral disorder students at Belle Glade Elementary, donating rewards as motivational incentives for them.
“He has even gone as far as providing basic needs to families such as washing their clothes, buying groceries and school supplies so that the children can come to school clean and equipped to learn,” his nomination said. “Mr. King is a resource called upon to help defuse emotional crisis that students may encounter during the day. He is a major influence in the lives of these students.”
He has also been activity in his community. He retired on the day we surprised him. He says in retirement he’d like to purchase a food truck and then, through a nonprofit, go from school to school “appreciating teachers and school staff one meal at a time. On the weekends, I would then feed students that are under government free lunch assistance programs that may not have adequate meals at home.”
As grand prize finalists, both Jennifer and Samuel are guaranteed at least $5,000 cash prizes, which would be split their school, and potentially the $10,000 grand prize. They will fly to Hawaii for our Conference of Champions where the winner will be celebrated.
Jennifer Lemoine, left, is surprised at her pop-up ceremony. At top, Samuel King celebrates at his ceremony.