LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Ricardo Rivas was nominated by colleague who wishes to remain anonymous. 

Mr. Rivas has made a meaningful difference in the lives of his students at James A. Garfield High School, and is always seeking opportunities for them to grow as individuals. As a history teacher, he is able to transfer his passion for the subject matter to his students.  

Mr. Rivas is also in charge of the boys' basketball program at Garfield.  As a coach, he seeks out tournaments in different cities to give his students an opportunity to experience life outside of East Los Angeles. He has taken his teams to Florida, Hawaii, Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Palm Springs. For many of his students, this is their first experience outside of their community, and it allows them to experience different walks of life. 

Mr. Rivas goes out of his way to help those students who have trouble coming up with the money to travel to the tournament destinations, and he never excludes a student due to their financial situation.  As an alumnus of Garfield High School, Mr. Rivas is a great role model to his students and to the community. He relates to his students and makes a life-changing impact on them. He is currently the Lead Teacher for Global Academy at Garfield High School, and is in charge of our Senate

 "His innovative ideas and leadership qualities are what make getting an education at Garfield High School priceless," the nominator said.