Educator Nominated for LifeChanger Award

SDIRC Educator Nominated for LifeChanger of the Year Award
Posted on 01/20/2022
LCOY Certificate graphic

CPattersonVero Beach, FL, January 20, 2022– The School District of Indian River County is proud to announce that Ms. Constance Peterson, Guidance Counselor at Gifford Middle School, has been nominated for the 2021-2022 LifeChanger of the Year Award.  Superintendent of Schools, Dr. David K. Moore, stated, “We are proud of Ms. Peterson for being nominated for this special recognition. It is very apparent that Ms. Peterson has made a lasting impression on the lives of many of her students; and positively impacting a student’s life so they excel in their future is the most important work of an educator.”

Tosha Jones, Principal of Gifford Middle School (GMS) where Ms. Peterson is employed, added, “Ms. Peterson is always working to ensure that her 8th grade students are fully prepared to make informed decisions that will have a long-lasting impact on their lives.  Our students and staff are very fortunate to have her as a GMS Dolphin.”

 

Please see the press release below issued by the National Life Group.

Gifford Middle School guidance counselor Constance Peterson has been nominated for the 2021-2022 National LifeChanger of the Year award. 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.

Constance Peterson was nominated by her friend, Vannette Woulard, for the impact she has had not only on her son and preparing him for college, but on the hundreds of other students she has mentored and helped over the years. Mrs. Peterson established an Achievers in Action group at the local high school and mentored over 50 students a year, guiding them through their years in high school and on to graduation.

When she transitioned to the middle school and obtained her Master's degree in counseling, she continued her work preparing students for high school. The number of students and parents she has impacted is in the hundreds, and she still keeps up with many of them to this day. She is also very involved in the community outside of school producing fundraisers for local events.

"She gives 100% of herself and her time without hesitation. It's with great humility that I am honored to call her a great friend and nominate her as a LifeChanger of the Year," said Woulard.

About LifeChanger of the Year

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2021-2022 school year.

  • (1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.
  • (4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
  • (10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
  • (1) Spirit Award Winner – This 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 their school/district.
  • (1) Capstone Award Winner - This award is given to a nominee retiring at the end of the 2020-21 school year. The winner will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school or district.
  • (1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year.
    • For 2021-22, the Spotlight Award will be given to a school nurse. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2022. 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 

To view Constance Peterson’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com

A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.