LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Sonya Ford

Position: Work-Based Learning Instructor
School: Moss Point Career & Technical Education Center
School District: Moss Point School District
City, State: Moss Point, MS

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Soyna Ford was nominated by her principal, Billy Carroll.

"At Moss Point Career & Technical Education Center, we take immense pride in our commitment to ensuring that students are not only academically prepared but also practically equipped for their future careers and further education," said Carroll. "At the heart of this mission lies our Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, and at the helm of this transformative initiative is Ms. Sonya Ford. With deep respect and admiration, I nominate Mrs. Ford for the LifeChanger of the Year Award."

"Ms. Ford's exemplary guidance in the realm of WBL has been nothing short of life-changing for our students. Through her tireless efforts, they've delved into internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and paid employment, receiving unparalleled real-world experience. Many of our students credit Ms. Ford for helping them make informed career decisions, networking with potential employers, and honing job-specific skills that textbooks alone could not impart," said Carroll.

"The ripple effect of Ms. Ford's work has greatly contributed to the enriching atmosphere of our center. The excitement and confidence students exude after a productive WBL experience, and the stories of their learnings, have inculcated a culture of practical learning and aspiration among their peers," said Carroll. "Ms. Ford's leadership capabilities shine through in her endeavors to bridge classroom learning with workplace environments. She collaborates extensively with district and school administrators to develop these programs, and she ensures their smooth implementation, keeping both students' aspirations and the industry's needs in mind."

"Ms. Ford's dedication to the professional standards of WBL is unmatched. The success rate of students transitioning smoothly into their chosen careers and post-secondary education under her guidance speaks volumes about her competence," said Carroll. "Beyond the framework of WBL, Ms. Ford's commitment extends to nurturing the holistic development of every student. Her approach ensures that they're technically equipped and emotionally prepared for the challenges of professional environments."

"As a liaison between our center, various agencies, and workplaces, Ms. Ford upholds the highest ethical standards. Her moral compass ensures that all placements and opportunities provided to our students are in their best interests and aligned with our center's values. Ms. Sonya Ford isn't just an instructor but a visionary who understands the intricate dance between academics and the real world. She has transformed the WBL paradigm at Moss Point Career & Technical Education Center, making it an example for others to follow. Honoring her with the LifeChanger of the Year Award would be a fitting testament to her unparalleled contribution to the future of our students and the greater community," said Carroll.

Comments (19)

Kenya Key Posted over a year ago

Thank you Ms. Ford for everything you do for our students and staff. You are such a jewel. I am also so grateful for our friendship. Thank you for always being so supportive, trustworthy and loyal to me!! Congratulations well deserved!

Carol Redding Posted over a year ago

Sonya is an amazing educator. I’ve know her since I was the guidance counselor at Moss Point several years ago. She’s always putting the students first and will go the extra mile to help them succeed. I count her as not on an outstanding educator as well as a friend.

Carol Ballard Posted over a year ago

Congratulations to Sonya Ford! Sonya has invested in student Work-Based Learning experiences and prepared them for life after high school. She has created a supportive and approachable environment and strives to improve the work experience for students and employers alike. Sonya keeps the bar set high and encourages the students to rise to elevated expectations. Thank you for your gift of time and support for the students and creating a positive atmosphere for learning and working.

Tykela Hodges Posted over a year ago

Congratulations!!!!! I have known Ms. Ford for a while now and we have became very good friends over the years. She has been several educators role-model. She will help you in away possible. She has always been my go to person for any help or advise. This is a very deserving award. Love you Mrs. Ford.

Sidney Middleton Posted over a year ago

Well deserved, one of my favorite teacher

cameron johnson Posted over a year ago

she like a second granny to me

wayjen marion Posted over a year ago

she is the best to ever do it

Jesus Posted over a year ago

Thank you for always helping out with our careers

Omarion Moore Posted over a year ago

Ms.Ford is so up lifting and joyful !

Cynthia Harris Posted over a year ago

Ms. Ford is a wonderful teacher with a great spirit. She maintains a positive and optimistic attitude, creating a classroom atmosphere that is welcoming and conducive to learning. What she does goes beyond teaching content, she helps her students to grow into well-rounded, confident, and motivated individuals. Ms. For is always willing to step in and lend a hand. We appreciate you, Ms. Ford.

Gabriel Hearndon Posted over a year ago

Thank you for letting me know what i am getting myself into when it comes to workkeys

Billy Carroll Posted over a year ago

Ms. Ford is a phenomenal person and goes above and beyond in and outside of the classroom! Thank you for always taking care of our students and even out staff!!!

Paulette Briscoe Posted over a year ago

I am so excited for Sonya Ford, who has been nominated for LifeChanger of the Year. She absolutely deserves this honor. As her former CTE Director, I know first hand of all the things that she has done that more than qualifies her for this nomination. As a teacher, she always worked with the whole child/student. By that, I mean that she went the extra mile to help all of her students on a personal level as well as an academic level. She taught about life skills, careers and job expectations. She made sure that they could do professional resumes, how to dress, speak and just be prepared for the workforce. She took them to different colleges in the state, help them to fill out college applications and even for grants. The students always felt welcome to contact her when needed even after graduation. Ms. Ford was always one of the first to volunteer for anything that needed to be done in the building or for the school system. She was over the inventory of the building and we always passed our audits with the state department with flying colors. She administered the ACT tests for many years on Saturdays and also during regular school days. I know that she presently gives the Work Keys tests. While Sonya was one of my teachers, she was selected as Teacher of the Year. To this day, we are close family friends. She is such a great teacher, person and friend. I highly recommend her for this prestigious award. Paulette Taylor Briscoe, former CTE Director

Terossa Frazier Posted over a year ago

Ms. Ford is a silent jewel to the District always willing to help and support any endeavor for student and staff betterment, A great worker up front and behind the scenes.

Candace Batiste Posted over a year ago

Thank you Ms. Ford for going the extra mile for my students and everyone else students. Thank you for being that one staff member that everyone can rely on, trust, and gets the job done. Thank you for being caring, giving, and a team member while never expecting anything in return. Your guidance and resources have helped me in so many ways. Thank you for all that you do for us all!! You are definitely one of a kind and we appreciate all that you do!!

Greerlynn Bezue-Tull Posted over a year ago

Ms. Ford, She is wonder woman undercover. She has nonstop energy and is a person you can count on to make things happen for the students. Thank you Ms. Ford!

Gaberilla S. Brown Posted over a year ago

Sonya is like a lighthouse where you could see her beaming from afar guiding you into your educational endeavors.

Kimberly McMillan Posted over a year ago

Ms. Ford has assisted both of my children in transitioning from school to work. She is kind and supportive person.

Lydia Leggett Posted over a year ago

Awesome teacher that goes the extra mile for students and staff members. Sonya Ford is truly a team player and a true educator at heart. Great mentor, coach, and all around sweet spirit to so many. Good job, keep up the good work.