La Feria ISD Educator Nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award

Special to La Feria News

La Feria, TX – La Feria High School criminal justice teacher Carlos Romero has been nominated for the 2018-2019 national LifeChanger of the Year award.

Mr. Romero was nominated by his wife, Leticia Romero, for going above and beyond to make a beneficial difference in students’ lives. He worked in law enforcement for 16 years, and during the last few years, he was frequently asked to speak with students about topics such as the dangers of drugs and careers in law enforcement.

In the summer of 2016, Mr. Romero earned his teaching certificate and began to work in his current role. During his first year, he started the Criminal Justice club, with over 60 students participating. He coordinated field trips to expose students to law enforcement careers, including a trip where he volunteered to be tased as a demonstration.

Currently, Mr. Romero is coordinating La Feria High’s first ever color guard, which consists of four female students. The color guard made their debut at a home football game, marching out in their uniforms with the flags during the national anthem. Since then, they have been asked to participate in several events, including events during Veterans Day and the La Feria Christmas parade.

“Just like the comments I hear from parents and his students, there is no other person who I look for support and for motivation when I need it,” said Mrs. Romero. “If you look to his bulletin board, you will find a poster board made by students in black and blue letters that says ‘We Donut know what we would do without you.’ He is a true LifeChanger in for so many people.”

About LifeChanger of the Year
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.

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 2018-2019 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 is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. For 2018-19, the Spotlight Award will be given to a nominee who works in a counseling role (e.g, guidance counselor, social worker). The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

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.

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