LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Paul Brester was nominated by a student.

"'Anyone have any events yesterday?' Mr. Brester would always ask this question at the beginning of class, and everyone would share how they did at their sporting events yesterday. He's always intrigued and interested in what everyone has to say and what is happening in everyone's life. He's not just a teacher to us–he's like family," said the student.

"I met Mr. Brester during my sophomore year at Arrowhead Union High School in Accounting and have taken his accounting classes every year since. This is my third year in his class, and I look forward to seeing him every day," said the student.

"Mr. Brester is welcoming, helpful, and funny. He always makes jokes during class that relate to us. He talks about how short he is in class, and when someone tells an obvious lie to him, his response is, 'And I am six feet tall,' which always enlightens my day. This helps me look forward to school and helps make learning in accounting fun," said the student.

"One day, I stood against him to see who was taller, and I was about an inch taller, so he said, 'You're a big boy now.' This was a class joke because I was always the shortest person in his class," said the student.

"Every day, we would spend a few minutes talking about Wisconsin sports and our thoughts on what was happening. These discussions helped my classmates and I become closer to Mr. Brester; we always had something to discuss with him. He would make connections between the accounting work and our interests, making it easier for us to learn," said the student.

"I also like when Mr. Brester talks about his personal life. Last year, he talked about going to the high school playoff games of the girls' basketball team that his son coaches. He talks about what he had for dinner last night and the rare occasions he went to dinner, mostly to the Five O'Clock Club. This helps me and the other students feel comfortable with Mr. Brester and allows us to easily ask him questions without being uncomfortable," said the student.

"Mr. Brester is also extremely helpful and walks us through anything we struggle with. He tried to give us hints to answer our classwork questions but would let us figure out the answer ourselves. This helps me better understand what is going on in the class and helps me avoid making the same mistakes again," said the student.

"I have created many memories in my three years in Mr. Brester's class. His way of connecting with students makes him one of a kind. Whenever an adult asks me multiple questions about my day, I will always think back to being in Mr. Brester's accounting class," said the student.