LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dona Mitchell was nominated by a family member, Johnique Mitchell.

Mrs. Dona Mitchell is a trailblazer for her community. She goes above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of children, teens and young adults. For over 20 years, she has been a pillar in the community, a civic leader and a writer for social change. She is the Lancaster ISD Truancy Coordinator. She has created a program called "Attendance Rocks" to promote student attendance, build partnerships and bring in resources and incentives to help students maintain good grades, citizenship, and attendance. She has proven her ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students through this program.

The program includes perfect attendance initiatives such as principals competing monthly to promote student attendance and student engagement, fifth grade class ‘attendance’ poster contest, sixth grade attendance essay contest, and a ninth grade door decorating contest on school attendance and perfect attendance incentives. Ten high school seniors receive lunch with the schoolboard and transported in a stretch Escalade limo.  Perfect attendance students receive the opportunity to attend professional sports games, college games, etc. Parents receive discounts on an oil change to help get the students to school on time; partnership with city & government officials. Lancaster ISD's vision is for all students to achieve self- sustaining success and leave a lasting legacy.

"Dona's ability to positively add to the development of the school’s atmosphere is right on point because school attendance is an achievement," James Mitchell said. "If the students feel good about going to school, they will attend. She works countless hours to make a difference and include everyone. She has programs for students overcoming obstacles and breaking through barriers to be successful. Her leadership is across the board and non stop when it comes to empowering and encouraging others. She is a role model for her colleagues."

Mrs. Mitchell has been invited to Good Morning Texas and has shared her work across the state to show students the importance of school attendance. Her service to students extends to the international level; she serves as First Vice President on the International Association for Truancy Dropout and Prevention. She is the Dallas Chair for the 108th IATDP Conference held in Dallas Texas 2018. She will be honored as a Dallas Icon at the State Fair of Texas this October 2018 at the Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards Ceremony.

"Mrs. Mitchell's commitment to her school district is unparalleled, and she is determined to keep students in school. She has been on several media outlets sharing tips on how to help parents talk to their children and get involved in the school. She believes that in order to help students, one must care about their home and family.  Dona cares about the complete person (student) and their home environment, and mentors students to help them be the best they can be," Mr. Mitchell said. "She sets high moral standards for the students and will be a LifeChanger forever. Dona deserves this award because she is a LifeChanger for students across the world."

Below are a few links highlighting some of her work in the community.

https://lhs.lancasterisd.org/apps/news/article/868269

http://dallasexaminer.com/news/2016/jul/25/project-under-helps-homeless-survive-texas-heat/

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county/lancaster-schools-receive-washers-and-dryers-to-help-students-in-need/287-531158202