LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Holly Lillis

Position: Middle School Social Studies Teacher
School: Albany Community School
School District: Orleans Central Supervisory Union
City, State: Albany, VT

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Music that Describes Holly

Holly Lillis was nominated by her principal, Jessica Thomas.

"Holly came to us as a second-year teacher and has helped shape and transform our middle school over the past three years. She positively impacted the school culture and brought in great ideas for making the middle school more consistent among the classrooms. She also brought a wealth of knowledge for transforming our middle school into a more rigorous learning environment where students were empowered to learn to higher levels and held accountable when they weren't performing at their best," said Thomas.

"Holly is not only invaluable for our students but for our staff as well. She supported two first-year teachers last year. Holly mentored them and gave them great advice, suggestions, and support. Holly always has a kind word to give to others and is full of endless compliments. She is someone that you can ask if they have a minute, and she always makes time as she truly cares about each person. She is a great listener and is full of wisdom beyond her years," said Thomas.

"As a new principal, there are so many uncertainties, and you learn something new daily. Often, I'd process something with Holly. She shared an instrumental piece of wisdom: ' Don't borrow grief from the future.' Holly is one of those rare gems in the world who brings positivity and sunshine wherever she goes. We are truly blessed to have her on our team at Albany Community School," said Thomas.

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Jill Lillis Posted over a year ago

I am Holly’s mother but I am also her co-worker as I have subbed at Albany Community School as well as being the Farm to School Coordinator. I have seen for myself how the students respond to Holly as a teacher and I know how dedicated she is to them on every level—-as a teacher, as well as for their well-being on every level. She sincerely respects them as human beings and they respond to that. She is constantly seeking ways to engage her students interest and to manage her classroom dynamics in a way that teaches her students self-regulation that carries over to outside the classroom. She loves teaching and her students. There is so much more I can say but I will end this by saying I am extremely proud of my daughter for the wonderful, dedicated teacher and human being she is. I got a lot of “cred” as the F2S coordinator from the students because they adore her so much.

Jackie Thatcher Posted over a year ago

I've had the pleasure to work with Holly this past year. The time, energy, positivity, warmth, humor, empathy, and care she puts into her teaching is evident everyday. She continually goes above and beyond for students and colleagues alike I can not think of a more deserving person.

Erica Baker Posted over a year ago

She cares about giving each student what they need. She is always ready to offer encouragement to staff and a smile to everyone she meets.

Emily Wells Posted over a year ago