Kim Grimes
Position: Swim Coach
School: Arrowhead Union High School
School District: Arrowhead Union High School District
City, State: Hartland , WI
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Kim Grimes was nominated by two anonymous students.
In the halls of Arrowhead High School, two students, who remain anonymous, shared profound connections with Coach Kim Grimes, affectionately known as Coach Kimmy G. Their experiences revealed not only her impact on their swimming abilities but also her unwavering support during challenging times.
One student recalled the initial meeting with Coach Kim at the start of freshman year, reminiscing, "I immediately recognized her because she was an aide at my middle school... I knew right away she would be the best coach ever." Throughout their high school swimming journey, the student struggled with self-doubt, feeling inadequate in speed and skill. Despite these challenges, Coach Kim remained a steadfast supporter. Reflecting on this, the student shared, "She never cared how fast I was; she only cared that I was having fun, smiling, and working on myself to improve." Coach Kim's encouragement extended beyond the pool, serving as a beacon of comfort during personal struggles. The student expressed, "If I was having a rough day with family, friends, or myself, she would always sit me down... She just had a way with words and advice that helped me and others."
During senior year, faced with fear and doubt about competing in the 500-meter race, Coach Kim's unwavering belief in the student's abilities prevailed. "She sat down with me and told me that I could do anything and finish a 500," the student recalled. Overcoming hesitation through practice and focus, the student achieved personal success, marking a pivotal moment in their swimming journey. The student fondly remembered Coach Kim's inspiring speech at the end of senior year, realizing her profound impact on their athletic pursuits and personal growth.
Coach Kimmy G's influence transcended swimming for the second student, and she became a pivotal figure throughout high school. Recalling their ongoing joke about Coach Kim mixing up names, the student emphasized how this lighthearted banter deepened their bond. "She never got mad at the fact we teased her for getting our names wrong; she laughed with us. The joke grew the relationship," the student shared.
Amidst rigorous training, the student encountered physical setbacks, including a torn chest wall and, later, severe muscle contractions. Throughout these trials, Coach Kim's unwavering support and care, which went beyond the call of duty, shone brightly. "She called my mom prior to me going to the ER... These actions she did for me helped me calm down and realize no matter what, she was always there for me," the student recounted gratefully. Coach Kim's unwavering dedication and compassion, even in the face of adversity, left an indelible mark, fostering a sense of security and strength.
As graduation approached, both students expressed deep gratitude and admiration for Coach Kimmy G's enduring kindness and mentorship, which they acknowledged as the cornerstone of their high school experience and swimming journey. "Thank you Coach Kimmy G," the second student concluded, emphasizing the profound and lasting impact she had on their lives. Through her unwavering support and guidance, Coach Kim Grimes not only left an indelible imprint on their lives but also embodied the spirit of dedication and compassion that defines a truly exceptional coach.
Throughout my several years of teaching swim lessons, Kimmy G has been there through it all. She is always eager to help other instructors, offer advice to swimmers, and keep everyone on track. It's impossible to overstate her life-saving impact on the hundreds of kids that have received swim lessons under her leadership.
I have only known coach Kim for about a year. She is a great coach and has a positive impact on all the girls. Swimming is a very tough sport and some do better than others. From what I have seen she treats everyone with respect and encourages them to do their best regardless of skill level. The girls need that.
Kim is not only an amazing co-worker but also an amazing swim coach. She is patient but forward in her direction of students and her swimmers. I work with her at school and Kim has coached my daughter. She strives for excellence and achieves it!
Kim has made a significant, positive influence in the lives of students and co-workers at Merton School. Her caring heart, nurturing spirit and commitment to helping others are just some of the reasons that make her so amazing. I have worked with Kim for many years and have seen first hand how she encourages kids to do their best and to believe in themselves. She is a gift to all of us and I cannot thank her enough for all that she has done for students, staff and our community!
I have worked with Kim for over 15 years at Merton Intermediate School. She and I have worked hand-in-hand to hold kids accountable for late work in my language arts class. She is as reliable as the day is long. I also often hear her re-teaching math lessons to students over her lunch break and helping them with their homework. In addition, I overhear motivational conversations that she has with students when no one is listening. On field trips, Kim will be the first to step up and give directions to large groups of students, especially when the regular education teachers don't want to:) You'll also find her at the front of the line leading 100 students on a 30-minute walk to the part when it's 85 outside. Furthermore, Kim takes the devastating punches that come her way in her personal life in stride, and she does it with a smile on her face and a growth mindset. She is an invaluable asset to any team that she's on, and Merton is blessed to have her on our team, as is Arrowhead High School!
I have been fortunate to work with Kim at Merton School for many years. Kim has such a positive attitude and cares about people. She greets everyone she sees with a smile and a hello. She helps students who have struggles overcome them by working with them on time management, organization, and self motivation. She has made an impact on so many children in her many years of education. Kim takes on any challenge with a "can do" attitude and helps her students believe in themselves. She is an inspiration to all of those around her and takes on each day with kindness and compassion. She is such a valuable part of our school. Kim has been a lifechanger for so many people whose lives she has touched and is so deserving of this award.
Kim is a dynamo! She is an endless parade of enthusiasm, rigor, heart, and encouragement. She is relentless in giving kids what is best for them and supporting them and their families through both good times and difficult times. She is an inspiration for all of her coworkers and always makes the environment a better one to be in. She is simply one-of-a-kind and determined to make this world better one student at a time. This award was made for her!
I wholeheartedly recommend Kim Grimes for the LifeChanger of the Year award. As a special education instructional assistant, Kim exemplifies dedication by building caring relationships with students and staff alike. Her professionalism is unmatched, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the success and well-being of those around her. Kim’s selflessness shines through in every action, always prioritizing the needs of others before her own. She embodies the essence of what it means to be a true LifeChanger, making her an exceptional candidate for this prestigious recognition.
Kim is an all around amazing individual. She supports students and helps them to create lifelong skills. She supports fellow staff members and always asks how she can help in any capacity. Kim is incredibly organized and a born leader. When you need something done, Kim is your go-to! Her nurturing ability combined with a no-nonsense attitude is a necessary attribute when working in a middle school. I love working with Kim and I know whenever I need her, she will be there. I appreciate her flexibilty and all she does for our students and staff.
Kim has been such an integral part the community for so many years. She has impacted many students and young adults lives through her work at a local middle school as well as providing her knowledge and expertise on swim to those in the high school. KIm consistently gives above herself and is so deserving of this.
I have had the pleasure of working with Kim for several years in Math. Kim is an amazing educator, coach and friend. Kim goes above and beyond in everything that she does. She always puts kids first! Kim puts her heart into teaching our students and will do anything to help them succeed. We are so blessed to have Kim!
Kim is an inspirational coach and super-mom. Her kind and encouraging spirit is contagious!
Kim is an absolute life changer, the impact she has had on so many youth and everyone she meets! She’s dedicated her life to coaching, teaching and supporting this young kids to grow up an be incredible, confident, and strong individuals just like her. I’m so lucky to know her through her wonderful daughter, Kylsie. This is a beautiful family and one of a kind. Kim is so deserving of this award!
Kim is such a quality person! From her commitment to her three kids and other immediate family to the hundreds of students and swimmers she has coached and mentored over the years Kim is one of a kind! I have know her for over 20 years and she has always been the positive role model and brings a positive energy to everyone she has been around. It has been a pleasure to have her and her daughter Kylsie in our lives!
I have been lucky enough to have met Kim through her daughter Kyslie. If you know Kim’s family it is a testament of her character and her positive influence on those around her. I am thankful to be friends with Kylsie who is kind, caring and always putting others first, just like her mom.
I've been lucky to know Kim my whole life. She has the biggest heart and so much love to all that she connects with. Her infectious positive energy and passion to help others has had a major impact on so many lives, including mine. There is nobody more deserving for this award than Kim!
We love Kim (and her daughter Kylsie, too!!)!! Amazing people and family!
Kim is an extremely caring and welcoming woman. She is dedicated in every endeavor, always looking to help those around her succeed.
Kim has been an amazing person to everyone she comes across. Treats me and my wife as her own kids! She’s a ray of sun shine and always a blast when around!
Kim is incredibly caring and dedicated to her family and friends! Way to go, Kim!
Kim dedicates her whole heart into teaching, coaching, and supporting her students. Her drive to help make them better is unmatched!
Where does one even start with talking about the dedicated and generous heart of Kim Grimes. As someone who has overcome great tragedy in her recent years to still wake up everyday, put a smile on her face and help those in her community. She is a valued employee in the Merton Community School district as well as a true asset to the Arrowhead High School Swim program. She is dedicated to her work, always looking for ways to help teach and model appropriate behaviors and expectations for young people so they can grow up to be successful adults once they enter the grownup world. She truly is a blessing to the whole community.
I have had the pleasure of working with Kim at Merton Intermediate School for many years. She is a very hard worker, wants what's best for kids, and is just a lovely human being. My favorite thing about Kim is all of the wonderful conversations we've shared from politics to family. She has a warmth about her that leaves you feeling good inside and by golly we could all use a lot more of that these days. Thank you, Kim!
Kim is pure grace. Kim is dedicated. Kim is loving. Kim is deserving of this award.
Kim is an amazing person! I have had the wonderful opportunity for many years now to see her dedication to students!
Kim works as a Special Education teaching assistant in the school where I teach and has ALWAYS been both an amazing advocate for both special ed. and regular education students. Kim is firm and fair and always hold kids to their highest potential. She has regularly takes on some of our most struggling students and pushes them to to accomplish things that they don't believe is possible. Kim never takes the excuse "I can't do it," from a student she works with. She helps them develop strategies to build up their perseverance, organization and basic skills. They soon learn that she is their biggest cheerleader. She has helped many students to become successful and set them up for the future. When I have been fortunate enough to have her work in my classroom I have found her to be willing to collaborate and step into any situation to help. Her example has made me a better educator. She is definitely worthy of this award.
Kim Grimes is a leader in the Lake Country community. Many people know her as a dedicated, talented swim coach or a hard-working, loving mom. I know her as an instructional assistant to students with special needs and a caring colleague. Kim possesses the right mix of strength and kindness as she guides and supports students academically in middle school. Kim is a person you can count on, and we are so lucky to have her in our school. It takes a special kind of person to serve in the roles that Kim does. She doesn't do it for any attention, nor accolades. She truly is serving others and working to make our community better by touching lives in the ways she can best. Kim is a champion for the underdog, and she works tirelessly to see others thrive. I really hope those who determine this award get enough information about Kim Grimes to know that she would be a most deserving candidate.
Kim is one of the most caring and dedicated people I know. I cant think of anyone that would be more deserving of this award. I am so fortunate to have kim as a sister!
Kim has always worked hard and tried to help everyone around her. She deserves this award and can’t wait to see what she does next!
Kim is a very dedicated Coach. It has been a while since she swam herself.
Congrats to Kim! She has always bee special and dedicated! , Dad!
I have the honor to call Coach Kimmy G my amazing mom! She has always cared about everyone and would go out of her way to show support. It did not matter if you were her kids or her student athletes, her support is above all. I can not think of a better person more deserving of this award.
I’ve known Kim for many years. She is an incredible human being. I’ve coached with her for over 10 years. I can attest to the connection she has with the girls she coaches. She has made a difference in my life and those around her. She also works with students who struggle in middle school and I know that her connection to them is profound. She is an incredibly worthy recipient of this award