LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michael Adams was nominated by his principal, Jeremy Weir.

Michael Adams, or Mr. Mike, as everybody calls him, demonstrates leadership on a daily basis. Every morning, he stations himself outside by the car drop-off lane, greeting every student walking into school. He welcomes students with a big, happy smile, and is usually wearing a crazy hat or silly item of clothing. Parents and younger siblings of students also benefit from Mr. Mike in the morning, because he greets them with a smile, handshake or high five as well. 

"I often tell people that one of the most accurate indicators of our positive school climate is that our students get out of their parents' cars every morning with a big smile on their face, glad to be back at school," Weir said. "Mr. Mike's warm greetings helps to ensure that every student at North Bay to gets off to a great start every day." 

Mr. Mike serves as the special education assistant in the behavior modification classroom and represents the positive male role model that so many students are missing. He takes students under his wing and mentors them in becoming a better young man or woman. He has a special talent for teaching math, and always goes above and beyond with any student who needs a positive person in their life.

"Students' faces light up when they see Mr. Mike, and in return, his face lights up when he sees them," Weir said. "His patience and compassion for all students at North Bay is unmatched. He works with some of our most at-risk students on a daily basis, and even works with struggling students from other teachers' classes during our intense intervention time." 

A couple years ago, Mr. Mike started the Gentleman's Organization Club at North Bay Elementary to mentor and work with students who need a positive male role model. He teaches the young men about everything from being a good student and good citizen, to fixing a bike chain and helping around the house. He takes them to sporting events and does community service with them.

Mr. Mike's leadership with the G.O. Club has made a huge impact at his school. Administration has seen disciplinary incidents decrease and attendance increase since he started the G.O. Club. The boys do not want to disappoint him by getting in trouble or being absent, so they try to be on their best behavior. Mr. Mike has reached many boys that others have labeled unreachable.

"Mr. Mike's work and success with the G.O. Club is a testament to the type of person that he is, and that he truly is a LifeChanger," Weir said. "Mr. Michael Adams embodies everything that this prestigious award stands for. He truly changes lives everyday."