MONTPELIER, Vt., Aug. 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- National Life Group announced today that nominations are now being accepted for the 2013-14 national LifeChanger of the Year program.
LifeChanger of the Year is an annual initiative that recognizes and rewards K-12 school district educators and employees from around the country who are making a positive difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Last year, a high school custodian from Texas earned the top prize out of more than 400 nominations from throughout the country. Charles Clark, head custodian at Trinity High School in Euless, TX was recognized as the national LifeChanger of the Year for the 2012-2013 school year for his outstanding contributions to his school community. Over the years, Clark has purchased clothing and shoes for needy students, provided transportation and has even taken students into his home when they needed a place to stay.
"It is thrilling to be at graduation and to see students I've helped or mentored succeed," said Clark. "The most rewarding thing is knowing that you've made a positive impact in someone's life."
"Charles is one of the most inspiring people I have ever met," said Mehran Assadi, president and CEO of National Life Group. "For 24 years he has been a life changer for hundreds of students and he is a role model for us all."
In addition to Clark, nine other K-12 educators and school district employees from California, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina and Vermont received cash awards last year.
"Our annual LifeChanger of the Year program allows us to say thank you to all of the outstanding educators who are making a difference in the lives of young people," said Assadi. "We know there are more great life changers worthy of nomination this year and we look forward to recognizing them and telling their stories."
The national LifeChanger of the Year selection committee, which includes teachers and school employees, will review all nominations and choose a total of ten winners for the 2013-14 school year.
Awards for the 2013-2014 school year include:
| National LifeChanger of the Year -- $10,000 |
| $5,000 personal cash award |
| $5,000 donation to school |
| First Runner-Up -- $7,000 |
| $3,500 personal cash award |
| $3,500 donation to school |
| Second Runner-Up -- $5,000 |
| $2,500 personal cash award |
| $2,500 donation to school |
| LifeChangers -- $3,000 (up to seven awards to be given) |
| $1,500 personal cash award |
| $1,500 donation to school |
In addition, the top three winners will be invited to participate in an awards ceremony in the Bahamas in May 2014.
Nomination Procedures
Anyone may nominate K-12 school district educators and employees for the LifeChanger of the Year award. Students are welcome to submit nominations, but need to have support from a teacher or administrator. A selection committee from National Life Group will review the nominees and select the top ten winners based on the following selection 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
Eligibility
All K-12 education professionals and school district employees are eligible to participate. Nominees must be full-time educators, teachers, principals, or any member of the school's staff who makes a positive difference in the lives of students. The LifeChanger of the Year will be awarded without regard to race, gender, religion, age, national origin or disability.
Deadline for nomination submissions is January 31, 2014.
More information about LifeChanger of the Year – as well as the nomination form – can be found at www.lifechangeroftheyear.com
National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, VT, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest (LSW), Addison, TX and their affiliates. Each company of NLGroup is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. LSW is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York.