Keller ISD Social-Emotional Facilitator Sarah Sampson and Adaptive Physical Education Teacher Cindy Boaz have been nominated for the 2018-19 National LifeChanger of the Year Award. 

 Maria Teresa G. Pedroche, a member of the KISD community, nominated Sampson who began her education journey building an elementary school theatre program in 2016. The program was created to educate elementary-aged students in social skills, emotional intelligence, and healthy self-expression through the practices of theatre. In two years, Sampson taught more than 700 students, directed eight shows, and assisted with developing a communication program called The Keller Shake. 

 The Keller Shake is now a district-wide competition for fourth-graders who learn to initiate and hold adult conversations – including introductions, handshakes, eye contact, professional posture, and appropriate questions and topics. These skills are evaluated in an annual event judged by district administrators and local officials. 

 “Not only is Sarah a LifeChanger, but she would utilize funds from this recognition to continue to change the lives of many students in her district,” Pedroche said. “I truly cannot think of another educator with who is more deserving of such an honor, and who will use the honor to continue to better the lives of the young people she touches.” 

 Cindy Boaz was nominated by an anonymous family member for pouring everything she has into the success of her students and athletes for the past 15 years. Through the Special Olympics program, she finds ways for all students to participate. She helped one student with limited mobility to ride a bike so the student could participate in her PE class. 

 “If ever asked if she has any children of her own, her response would be that she has over 100 children,” Boaz’s nominator said. “She truly does love each one of these kids – whether at school or camp – and wants to see each one achieve the best that life has to offer. She truly is an inspiration to her school, community, family and others. 

Boaz also spends a lot of her time working with the non-profit “Our Father’s Children,” working with children who come from abusive or neglectful homes. 

 Click here to read the LifeChanger of the Year Award nominees’ profiles! 

 Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the LifeChanger of the Year Award 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 across the country. Seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year Awards will be given during the 2018-19 school year: 

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 awards, nominees must: 

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 2019 in Hawaii, where the Grand Prize Winner will be revealed. 

Learn more about the LifeChanger of the Year Award and view profiles of Sarah Sampson and Cindy Boaz by visiting www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.