LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Catherine (Katie) Banim was nominated by Lynn Bedrosian, the Principal.

Ms. Banim makes a difference at Bert Lynn Middle School. She teaches vocal music and beginning and advanced band. She also started a tall flags class before school this year.  Student success is her focus - both emotionally and academically - and she is an important advocate and role model.  Because Ms. Banim insists that her students try, they do. Her students know that she gives her best effort and expects that of her students, and they both strive to do so.

For many years, Ms. Banim wanted to begin a tall flags program at Bert Lynn. Because of her passion, Bert Lynn proudly showcases a group of students who begin school zero period (another first for Bert Lynn) to attend the class under Ms. Banim's supervision.

"We are proud and excited for her and her students - they are awesome to watch," Bedrosian expressed. "I appreciate Mrs. Banim's dedication to Bert Lynn and her students. She is a joy to work with, and I am thrilled that Mrs. Banim is a teacher at Bert Lynn. We are a lucky middle school, indeed!".