Published On: June 2nd, 2017By

Rayford Road teacher DeAndre Rushing nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award

Rayford Road Intermediate School sixth-grade reading teacher DeAndre Rushing has been nominated for the 2017-2018 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.

Rushing was nominated by colleague, Tearee Easter. In addition to teaching, he has served as a volunteer basketball coach for three years, bringing home a championship trophy each year.

“Mr. Rushing exemplifies what it means to be a LifeChanger,” said Easter. “He has always exhibited great character on Rayford’s campus and is respected by other members in the Aldine community. He believes in establishing well-rounded relationships with all of his students and continues to support former students in their academic and athletic ambitions.”

Rushing said he was honored to be nominated for such a prestigious award.

“I take great honor in being nominated for the National Lifechanger Award,” he said. When I learned that someone nominated me for such an award my first thoughts and feelings were that of humility and surprise. My work with youth, in the classroom or on the basketball court, has never been done to be recognized; just to make a difference in a few lives and fade into the background. I know my reward will come later when I get to see my students be successful and productive citizens. I have been asked several times how or why do I volunteer to coach. It is simple for me because I love what I do!”

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2017-2018 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) Spotlight Award Winner – This award will be given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. For 2017-2018, the award will be given to a nominee who works in a support role, such as a secretary, administrative assistant, or office manager. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district in fall 2017.

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 spring 2018 in Bermuda, where the Grand Prize Winner will be revealed.

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 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

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

About the Author: Mike Keeney

Director of Public Information Aldine ISD