LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Emily Hildebrand

Position: Art Teacher
School: Brandon High School
School District: Rankin County School District
City, State: Brandon, MS

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Music that Describes Emily


Emily Hildebrand was nominated anonymously. 

"Every day, we are influenced by the people around us. Sometimes, positivity reigns, and other times, negativity takes control. Every once in a while, you're influenced by a positive force, a true LifeChanger. I hope everyone gets a chance to have a little Emily Hildebrand in their life," said the nominator.

One senior said it best: "As someone who typically keeps to themselves and doesn't go out of their way to talk to others, Ms. Hildebrand made me feel seen. Her constant effort to reach out to me and give little nuggets of encouragement made me look forward to coming to school to see her and be in her class. I love her vivaciousness and how genuine and down-to-earth she is with her students."

"You see… Emily Hildebrand is a teacher at Brandon High School. However, she's more than just a teacher; she's a mentor, decorator, encourager, event planner, therapist, and motivator. Ms. Hildebrand encompasses the core values that make her an admirable teacher," said the nominator.

Another student describes her by saying, "I immediately felt welcomed and encouraged in a new school. If there were more people like Ms. Hildebrand, the world would be a better place."

"Ms. Hildebrand teaches academic and real-world lessons. You will never see her without a smile on her face. She has got to be one of the genuinely kindest people I've ever known," said the nominator.

A recent BHS graduate said, "I love Ms. Hildebrand because she is one of the biggest encouragers I've ever met. She can instantly put a smile on anyone's face, and that's something I learned from her and strive for in my daily life as well as in my future career as a teacher."

Comments (16)

Sandy Toenes Posted over a year ago

At 87, I count myself as most fortunate to have as my dear friend Emily Hildebrand, this spark of energy, encouragement and empathy! I have watched her, since she was age 3 amaze me and all around her with a joie de vivre that grew into befriending and championing for others , always seeing the worth in everyone.Her values of uplifting others, giving hope and strength to her students and believing in each one are her gifts and her creed. Born into a family of dedicated teachers ( her grandfather , a Professor to medical students; her grandmother an active leader in the integration of schools in Mississippi; her mother and brother, dedicated teachers , and her father, an inspiring man. Emily embodies in her calling as a teacher her passion to inspire students to learn , to persevere, to be kind to themselves and others, and to listen and uplift! Emily is a beam of light and love and Fun!

Pam Stroble Posted over a year ago

What a special person! Emily is a fantastic teacher! She's dedicated to her students and I'm sure makes their school experience something special! Pam Stroble

Maggie Morgan-Smith Posted over a year ago

Emily is the best of the best. When you are in her presence, you have her full attention. She is the deepest empath and she has a unique way of truly connecting with people when she is with them (and when she isn’t— she also has a real gift for writing letters!) Although I live in a different city, I still regularly make the connection with random people that we both know and love Emily Hildebrand. There is no one more deserving of this award.

J. Joseph Stroble Posted over a year ago

I am so pleased but not surprised to learn that Emily Hildebrand has been nominated for the prestigious LifeChanger Of The Year Award. I have known Emily her entire life and from an early age, she made the decision to follow in the footsteps of her mother by entering the field of education. She chose this career simply because she wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people. Emily has been recognized numerous times for her classroom work. In addition to her outstanding teaching skills and outgoing personality, she is always a ready volunteer in all school activities. She is loved and respected by the student body and school officials alike and in my opinion, no one is more deserving of an honor such as the Life Changer Award than Emily Hildebrand.

Julie Reis Posted over a year ago

True to herself, a friend at all times, encouraging, outrageously talented artist with a heart of gold is how I would describe Emily. I have had the pleasure of doing her hair for over twenty years! Emily is not only a client but she is a confidante and personal friend. Anyone who is lucky enough to meet her instantly will love her !

Brooke Floyd Posted over a year ago

I have known Emily for over 30 years. I have watched her grow into the amazing woman & teacher she is now. She has always been a cheerleader, an encourager. She brings out the best in those around her, supporting them so they can be successful. Emily is a wonderful teacher and gifted artist.

Virginia A Ezelle Posted over a year ago

I have known Emily since she was a young girl. She is smart, kind and very talented. She is not afraid to speak up for what is right, and she will support her students in every way possible. She is a joy to all those around her!

Patsy Marsh Posted over a year ago

Emily Hildebrand is an absolute blazing light wherever she goes, incredibly wise, sacrificial teacher’s heart, unfailingly giving of all she has and is, the most loyal of friends, amazing human and the very epitome of life-changer.

Taylor Hildebrand Posted over a year ago

As Emily's brother, I have know since she was a little girl that she was going to be special. We both started our education career around the same time and I have been so proud to have watched her grow as a leader, a mentor, and an outstanding teacher. She is tremendous in heart, love, passion, and spirit. You are my hero, sis. So proud of you!

Kyra Gordon Posted over a year ago

We are so excited that Emily has been nominated for this honor! Her Heart and Spirit for her students is “over the top”! He is certainly an inspiration for their desire to achieve and succeed! Go Emily! We are Proud of You! #LCOY

Price Hildebrand Posted over a year ago

I have known Emily since she took her first breath. Emily as a child was always very wise, it was as if she was an old soul. Growing up if a task needed to be completed, Emily was the one to complete it. Emily has always been very observant with people and can feel an individuals pain and she is ready to help them in anyway. Emily is currently the head of the Art department at Brandon High School. Along the way in her teaching career, she has received numerous time teacher of the month at Brandon High School , and teacher of the year for the Rankin county School District. Emily also serves on several committees in the high school, and has sponsored student activity clubs. She initiated a program within the school where all staff members would write post cards to each student throughout the year,giving them positive reinforcement. Emily also has served on the Governor’s Education Council. If you haven’t gotten my drift I am very proud of my daughter and all that she has accomplished in her young life.

Leah Alford Hendrix Posted over a year ago

Emily is the most genuinely honest and kind person I know. She meets you where you are - and loves you for it. She is the funniest person I know - and has the ability to use her sense of humor to make life feel less heavy. She works so hard and loves her students so much. My life absolutely changed the day I met her - she enriches every conversation she enters.

Lenda S Taylor Posted over a year ago

Emily is my niece, she is well rounded; funny, lovable, talented but above all a very dedicated teacher and community leader. She cares that others feel good about themselves and want to achieve, giving others positive reinforcement making them achieve to their full potential!

Ellen Ratcliff Posted over a year ago

Emily Hildebrand is my niece who possesses many outstanding qualities. One of the most prevalent characteristic she has is that she is the calm one during bad times. Sure, she cries, but Emily picks herself up by her bootstraps and keeps on going. Because of that, she is a role model for other family members when they experience hard times. She encourages other family members, and her positive demeanor and great compassion endears us to her! Emily is a great light to this dark world. Her presence make a huge difference in the lives of not only her students, but her family members.

Jane Hildebrand Posted over a year ago

Emily is my daughter! I can not express how proud I am of her. She adores her students and does more than her share to help each one individually. She constantly tries to come up with ways to help her students and all that know her. Just ask her principal, other teachers at her school or students , they will all say, I love her!!! We recently went on a vacation and of course a former student happen to be at the same place. Emily went over to her and caught up with her life. The young lady who is now a wife and a mother said, “I can’t believe she remembered me!”

Mary H Smith Posted over a year ago

She is family & she is a beautiful awesome person!