Chatham County Schools Avajan Oldham nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award

Goldston, NC  Avajan Oldham, a third and fourth grade language arts/social studies teacher at J.S Waters School, has been nominated for the 2016-2017 national LifeChanger of the Year award.

Life ChangerSponsored 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.

Oldham was nominated by J.S. Waters School principal, Beverly Browne.

Oldham has been a part of the J.S Waters School community her entire life. Her mother taught at J.S Waters, and Oldham has a daughter currently teaching at the school. In addition to teachingOldham is heavily involved in the community, singing and playing for the church choir and tutoring students who need additional help. She has also started an after school running club which has grown to 50-60 participating students.

Ms. Oldham is a master teacher who establishes a classroom environment where students thrive,” said Browne. “She is a model educator and great representative of a LifeChanger.

Avajan Oldham

Avajan Oldham

Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of ColumbiaFor 2016-2017, there will be a total of 15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awardsIn addition, a 16th 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 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 NaplesFlorida. Winners will be announced in Spring 2017.

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 Ms. Oldham’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com