LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Rich Larcom

Position: Teacher/Facilitator, Grades 7-12
School: North Country Charter Academy
School District: #703 North Country Charter Academy
City, State: Littleton, NH

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Rich Larcom was nominated by his superintendent, Lisa Lavoie.

"Mr. Rich Larcom is the most caring, respectful, and humble educator I have worked with throughout my three decades in education. Simply put, Rich has positively changed the lives of our students. Many students at North Country Charter Academy do not believe in themselves nor have dreams they believe can be realized," said Lavoie.

"Rich has the talents, skills, and passion to work individually with each student in a way that helps them to gain confidence and self-esteem. He is patient, and the students work with him to develop short-term and long-term goals. He can understand students through the lens of youth. Rich builds professional relationships with students, and the impact is potent. His wisdom, knowledge, and vast experience benefit our students. So many of our students who are categorized as at-risk students flourish academically and personally," said Lavoie.

"Rich has many connections and has helped many students find jobs and internships and apply for college admission. He has built a community outreach program within the North Country Charter Academy curriculum that brings learning alive!! He has developed partnerships with White Mountains Science Inc., Appalachian Mountain Club, Squam Lakes Science Center, Master Garden Program via UNH, NH Fish & Game, and Mount Washington Weather Observatory, to name a few," said Lavoie. "Rich has developed programs with each partner that have allowed our students to learn outside the classroom! His work brings learning to life: real learning, relevancy, and hands-on field experiences!"

"Students have blossomed, are motivated and excited about learning and coming to school. Rich has changed the lives of many students. Recently, he helped a student get a job, find transportation, and apply for colleges. He nominated the student for a civics award and helped them transition out of his house and into a place to call his own. Talk about transformation! Rich does not leave work at work; he works with students year-round, helping them in the summer and beyond. Rich is highly respected by students, parents, colleagues, and his community," said Lavoie.

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Comments (9)

Mike Carmon Posted over a year ago

My team and I at White Mountain Science, Inc. (WMSI) have worked with Rich Larcom over the last three years to engage North Country Charter Academy students in STEM and project-based learning. These "Science Friday" experiences have given students unique opportunities to positively engage and collaborate with each other through innovative tools & tech. Rich has been a driving force of this exciting program from inception to its current state!

Leah Christiano Posted over a year ago

In my short time working with Rich I can tell he has the students best interest at heart. He is kind, compassionate, patient and willing to help in anyway he can. He goes above and beyond and is a prime example of what an educator should strive to be.

Georgia Caron` Posted over a year ago

I've interacted and worked with Rich Larcom as a fellow North Country school administrator many times over the past 23 years. While I always admired his many administrative attributes, I've only gotten the chance to witness his extremely positive interactions with students this current school year. In September of 2023, I agreed to take on a long-term substitute teacher position at the North Country Charter Academy in Littleton, NH. Rich was my co-teacher at the site and I'm saying it loud and proud; without his knowledge about the returning students, the online curriculum, and his calm, confident personna, it would have been a much more stressful endeavor for me. I can honestly say that Rich is a joy to work with and a credit to the field of education. He is simply one of the best educators I have ever had the pleasure to work with in my 35 years in the field. Rich definitely deserves to be named the Life Changer of the Year!

Elizabeth Brado Posted over a year ago

Rich and I were colleagues for two years. He was incredibly dedicated to our students who were at-risk of graduating. He took the time to build relationships with our diverse group of learners. Rich is a reliable, energetic kind man, a positive role-model and always ready to lend a hand - inside and outside of the classroom. Rich deserves to be recognized for his lifetime of service work!

Michael Curtis Posted over a year ago

Mr. Larcom is a passionate and dedicated lifelong educator who understands and implements the spirit of teaching. I appreciate Rich's gentlemanly demeanor and that he consistently places students at the center of the learning experience. Mr. Larcom has been a mainstay in the North Country education community. has He mentored thousands of students and educators in his many leadership and teaching roles. I strongly support Mr. Larcom, congratulations on the nomination.

Pierre Couture Posted over a year ago

Rich Larcom has made a lifetime commitment to educating youth as a teacher, wrestling coach, Principal and now as a teacher again. He cares tremendously about his students and uses his extensive knowledge and connections to create relevant, exciting learning opportunities for his students. The North Country Charter Academy and its students are fortunate to have him.

Laurie Melanson Posted over a year ago

Fantastic - Rich deserves these accolades, this award and our appreciation. Thank you for your tremendous work with our students!

Scott Kleinschrodt Posted over a year ago

Having known Rich for the past 20 years and now having the opportunity to work with him on a daily basis at the Charter Academy, I can attest first hand the difference he is making with the young people of the North Country. He goes above and beyond what is expected of an educator and truly has the student's best interest in mind in everything he does at the school.

Marcella Shamberger Posted over a year ago

Rich would be well deserving of this award. He is an enthusiastic, patient and well-respected educator, with both students and peers, in the North Country of New Hampshire.