LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Navonia Thomas

Position: Math Teacher
School: Young Women's Leadership Academy at Arnold
School District: Grand Prairie ISD
City, State: Grand Prairie, TX

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Navonia Thomas was nominated by her former student and 2017-18 LifeChanger of the Year nominee, Lisa Forney.

Forney is a career educator that is now serving her 27th year in public school education. She had Ms. Thomas for algebra in high school and describes her as a "true LifeChanger."

"Math has always been a thorn in my side, but Ms. Thomas took a great deal of time with me in high school to ensure I understood the material and felt confident in her class," said Forney. "She took me under her wing of care, and I am forever grateful."

Ms. Thomas goes the extra mile for every student she has the pleasure to teach. Forney states that she's the type of teacher she wish she had for her own child.

"She was not only my teacher - she was my mother away from home, my mentor, and my friend," said Forney. "We have kept in touch for over 30 years now.  She has supported every effort of mine as an educator, as a mother and as a wife."

This year, Ms. Thomas will serve her last year in education before retiring. For 44 years, she has been a champion for children. Her love and support of Forney has extended to Forney's own child.

"At every juncture, she takes the time to support the community efforts of my child...the same way she did for me when I was in her class so many years ago," said Forney. "She continues to serve as a math teacher, where she makes a difference in the lives of her students as she made a difference in my life."

Forney was a first-generation college graduate. As a high school graduation gift, Ms. Thomas and her husband, Dennis, gave Forney a brand new bike to ride around campus during her undergraduate years.

"I will never forget her kindness and sincere love for me as her student," Forney concluded. "She is a lifesaver for me and so many students who she has served over her lifetime of a career. She is a true LifeChanger."

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Comments (5)

LaVerda Posted over a year ago

No one has ever deserved this designation more. Ms. Thomas is my daughter's math teacher, and has been for 4 years now. In that time i have never seen a teacher with more dedication to her students. When she was the NJHS sponsor she made all of the uniform skirts for the students. As the NHS sponsor she had sewn all of the students patches. She has spent time at school in the evening and weekend doing prepwork to make students memorable for students, like homecoming and prom decorations. She even adjusted the hem on my Daughter's uniform skirts when she thought they were too short. Mostly though she has helped my daughter develop confidence and a true sense of self. She has checked on her well being when she was stressed and supported her throughout her high school career. Ms. Thomas is amazing and I am so grateful she's been in my daughter's life. We love her and will always remember her. She is a true life changer.

Toinette Thomas Posted over a year ago

I'm so proud of my mother for being the wonderful and caring person she's always been. I am blessed to have her as a mother and have been grateful and happy to share her with so many other people as she's taken on the role of surrogate mother. My mother is more than a teacher, she's a whole village. She cares for others and does whatever she can to help them, even teaching them how to help themselves when she can't be around. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor.

Delesia Conerly Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Thomas is truly a blessing. My daughter spent five years with this special lady. To say she made an impact is an understatement. Her passion to teach and love for her students is truly awesome. Mrs. Thomas was chosen as the sponsor for the 2017-2018 graduating class. She made their last year of high school so memorable. I am thankful to know this amazing woman and indeed grateful for how she took my child under her wing. I am thankful for all she has done. She is an educator par excellence. May God truly bless her as she and her husband embark upon their next life phase of enjoying retirement. Love you and God bless!

Lisa Forney Posted over a year ago

I continue to be blessed 30 plus years later because Mrs. Navonia Thomas was my teacher. Love you.

Carol Steady Posted over a year ago

Such a well deserved honor for a woman of many talents. You go above and beyond for your students, family and friends.