LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kelley Jarzynka was nominated by her colleague, Becky Keilig.

Ms. Jarzynka is a LifeChanger for the students and community of Ravenna, NE. Her dedication, energy, and passion for students is shown every day in the way she teaches her classes, her work with very successful extracurricular activities, and her indefatigable spirit.

"One of the first things I noticed about Kelley’s classes was how she addressed the class as a 'family,'" Keilig said. "She always makes it a point to include everyone. Her class is a family that sticks together to be successful. She praises and gives kudos when students are doing great things, but she also scolds, lectures, and tells it like it is when students are making poor decisions. She laughs loud and long when the family is having a good time, but can have a serious conversation about bullying in the next minute. Her family of students gravitates to the extra-curricular activities she sponsors, particularly those who are seeking something new."  

Roughly eight years ago, Ms. Jarzynka brought VEX Robotics to Ravenna High School and has taken teams to state and world competitions. She created a hands-on, problem-solving, creative and logical thinking class around designing, building, coding and competing with robots. Her students have continued into various upper-level science classes, and have gone on to college and careers in various science and engineering fields. Ms. Jarzynka shows them the importance of dedication, prioritizing and hard work. The hours these students spend on their projects is truly astounding. 

Ms. Jarzynka not only sponsors Robotics, but she also began Academic Decathlon at RHS, where students who haven’t been successful academically are able to find success. Each year, a different topic/subject is taught in many different subject areas, and students are then tested in each area. They compete against other students at their academic level. This year’s competition theme is Africa, and the students' goals include qualifying and competing at states. Ms. Jarzynka is also the assistant play production director for her sixth year. Her students have won 4 district contests and placed 2nd at state this year. She sees potential in every student and encourages them to use it.

"Kelley worked with a student who had been in special education for years, but had a love of the outdoors," Keilig said. "In physical science class, she helped him with some career decisions working for the park services. He also showed such academic improvement, despite reading difficulties, that he tested out of special education services."

This student was named the Most Improved Science Student at the academic awards night by Ms. Jarzynka. The student's smile was beyond measure. Ms. Jarzynka also taught a student with autism about robotics. He was able to build a robot and compete with his peers, sparking many friendships on the team. 

"For me, though, Kelley’s most inspirational lesson to her students is the life model she shares," Keilig said. "She and her husband have three children. Her oldest is amazingly gifted and talented—academically and athletically. She reminds him how important it is to be dedicated to his studies. She encourages his participation in the arts to be well rounded. Her middle son has many health issues, but she and her family of students celebrated his first steps in 2nd grade. They see her stick up for his continued learning. As a seventh grader, this year, he is starting to form letter sounds. Her youngest is a constant whirl of energy and creativity. Kelley works on self-control and focuses on learning."

"Kelley has also suffered some health issues herself," Keilig continued. "About 4 years ago, she had a heart attack due to a valve abnormality. Her students saw her strength and courage through it all."

Ms. Jarzynka is a LifeChanger in Ravenna, NE. She is an example and an inspiration, but more importantly, she is a do-er!