LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Christine Klun was nominated by a student.

"When I think about my favorite educator, only one person comes to mind. That person is Mrs. Klun," said the student.

"I first met Mrs. Klun at the beginning of my senior year of high school when I enrolled in her AP Microeconomics class at Arrowhead High School. Truthfully, I had no interest in economics but had heard such good things about Mrs. Klun. From the second I walked into her classroom, I could tell by her sheer and utter kindness that I would enjoy having her as a teacher," said the student.

"She has this wonderful infectious laugh that can brighten anyone's day. No matter what kind of day I was having, I knew that whenever I walked into her classroom for 7th period, my spirits would be lifted," said the student.

"This past November, my grandmother passed away. Her passing was tough for my family and I because my grandma had lived with us for over ten years. I didn't know life without her. I remember telling Mrs. Klun, holding back tears, trying to stay strong. I could see how genuinely sorry she felt for me on her face. When I told other teachers, they were supportive, but there was something different about how Mrs. Klun comforted me," said the student.

"After my grandma passed away, I missed a lot of school. Mrs. Klun told me I could take whatever time I needed to turn in my work or take makeup tests and quizzes. She even exempted me from one of my missed quizzes because, at the time, I was feeling so overwhelmed. She saw that I was struggling, and providing extra time took some weight off my shoulders. I felt relieved," said the student.

"Mrs. Klun treated her students like family. She always wanted to hear about our lives at home, our plans for the evening, and even our weekend plans. It was quite obvious from the start how much family meant to Mrs. Klun. Anytime she would mention her husband or her kids, her face would light up, and you could tell the undeniable love she and her family shared," said the student.

"Finding an educator like Mrs. Klun is not easy. I believe that she was born to be an educator. Her love and passion for teaching and getting to know students is like no other. I am and will continue to be truly moved by Mrs. Klun," said the student.