COLUMBIA, SC – Heyward Career and Technology Center teacher Melva Kennedy has 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 country who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influences and leadership.
Kennedy was nominated by a member of the community who wishes to remain anonymous.
A 12-year cancer survivor and member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Kennedy has created several initiatives to help students of the Heyward Center, including a mentoring program that provides at-risk students with the opportunity to work with community leaders. She also introduced ServSafe to help students with special needs become certified in safety and sanitation. Her caring spirit also motivated her to purchase winter clothes for a student in need.
“Mrs. Kennedy works hard to make her classes interesting for her students,” said her nominator. “Although her students may face some challenges, she believes they can master anything if given the chance. She uses her life story and struggles as a reminder that one is not defined by their disabilities, but by their faith and determination.”
Heyward Principal Dr. Sherry Rivers, her staff and students, are proud of Mrs. Kennedy’s achievements. “Mrs. Kennedy is a deserving candidate who works hard to provide opportunities for the students in Richland School District One. Her creativity and passion are evident in her daily interactions with all students.”
Each year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from across the country. This year, there will be15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards and a National Spirit Award, which is given to the school and nominee with the most community support. 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 will be announced in the spring of 2017 at surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Florida.
More information about the National LifeChanger award is available at http://lifechangeroftheyearnominees.com/showspirit/.
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