Beloit School District Educators Nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award

National LifeChanger of the Year Nominations

David Wilson, a community learning center coordinator for the school district of Beloit, as well as cross-categorical teacher Gina Curtis from Robinson Elementary School, have been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

David Wilson

Wilson was nominated by a colleague, Jennifer Paepke. A lifelong Beloit resident, he has filled his career with doing what is best for his town's students and families, from working for the Stateline Boys and Girls Clubs to volunteering in several community organizations and events. This fall, he joined the district as a coordinator for the 21 st Century Community Learning Centers grant, where he has been an influential force in networking with community agencies and their work to become critical partners with the school district.

“It is critical for our district’s decisions to have representation reflective of the local community,” said Paepke. “Mr. Wilson has helped maintain these partnerships to accomplish this goal by working with local organizations such as Community Action of Rock County, the Beloit Police Department and Rock County Head Start.”

“Over the past few years, Mr. Wilson has also volunteered in multiple schools in the district as a mentor to at-risk youth,” said Paepke. “He partners with school staff to work with students and families and help them realize their value and potential. It is impossible to visit any school or community event without seeing both students and parents who excitedly say, ‘Mr. David!’ He is a LifeChanger for our district’s youth, every single day.”
David Wilson’s Life Changer Profile Page

Gina Curtis

Curtis was nominated by Robinson Elementary principal, Sam Carter. She is well-respected among her colleagues and the Beloit community, and was praised by Carter for building strong relationships with her students.

“Ms. Curtis works with students that have the most critical needs, but they all know how much she cares,” said Carter. “Students throughout our building know her from her warm smile and ability to connect with them beyond the surface. Ms. Curtis is a positive force and works tirelessly to help students, both during the school day and in the after school program.”
Gina Curtis’ Life Changer Profile Page

Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2016-2017, there will be a total of 15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. In addition, a 16 th prize, the “National Spirit Award,” is given to the school and nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. Each winner will receive a cash award that is split between the individual winner and their school. The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Florida. Winners will be announced in Spring 2017.

Selection Process

Winners will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals.
Nominees must be school district employees. Award winners are selected based on the following 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
• Is involved in leadership activities at the school and/or community level
• A demonstrative record of excellent performance at the professional level
• A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere
• Adherence to high moral and ethical standards

To view Mr. Wilson and Ms. Curtis’ LifeChanger of the Year nominee profiles, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit Support Your LifeChanger

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