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FROM STAFF REPORTS

COLUMBIANA – Shelby County High School special education teacher Rebecca Hicks has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2024-25 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.

Hicks was nominated by a colleague, Jason Mayfield, for being a dedicated educator who goes above and beyond for her students. Known for handling the toughest cases, she works tirelessly after hours to help students succeed.

“Her light is often the last one on in the building,” Mayfield said.

Through her Peer Helpers program, Hicks has transformed the school culture, leading initiatives like a Kindness campaign and helping students transition from eighth to ninth grade. She also went above and beyond to fundraise for the quiz bowl teams’ national trip, ensuring students had the opportunity to compete.

Hicks is also pursuing National Board certification, demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth.

“Her endless energy, dedication and positive impact on students make her a true LifeChanger,” Mayfield said.

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

There will be seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards given during the 2024-2025 school year, including the following:

• Grand Prize Winner – $10,000 to be shared with their school/district
• Grand Prize Finalists –$5,000 to be shared with their school/district
• LifeChanger Award Winners –$3,000 to be shared with their school/district
• 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
• Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. 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 2025. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees.

To be considered for an award, nominees must do the following:

• Make a positive impact on 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 Lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit.

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