Kyle Gorton was nominated by a colleague, Derek Lowe.
"Mrs. Kyle Gorton, an exceptional IB Math Teacher at South Fork High School, is a highly deserving candidate for the LifeChanger of the Year award. With over two decades of experience, she consistently makes a profound impact on her students by fostering a deep understanding of mathematics and encouraging personal growth," said Lowe.
"Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, where she revitalized school spirit as the Student Government Advisor, contributed to community-driven projects such as the 'Bulldog Closet,' an on-campus thrift store for underprivileged students and families, and coached the Girls Cross Country and Track teams. Mrs. Gorton has demonstrated excellence in her profession, earning several Teacher of the Year accolades and consistently maintaining high academic and ethical standards. Her unwavering dedication to creating a nurturing, inclusive environment exemplifies her commitment to the success and well-being of her students," said Lowe.
I had the pleasure of participating in what I think was the first or second year of the SGA class. I graduated from high school in 2021. Mrs. Gorton was my teacher and one of my favorites. She was incredibly supportive and excited about the SGA's potential to boost school spirit. Some of my favorite memories in high school were from her class.
Mrs. Gorton is the best teacher that anyone could ask for, she is someone who truly cares about her students on a personal level. She always makes sure that everyone is on the right track whether in sports, schoolwork, or life in general. Furthermore, Mrs. Gorton is more than just a teacher she is an inspiration to those around her and is someone who people look up to and strive to be like as they grow in life. She is always there to help, leading the school with spirit and consistency. Mrs. Gorton has changed so many lives for the better, and I know and many others know that she will continue to to so.
Mrs. Gorton is what I call the definition of a leader. She always knows what she's doing, she influences people in great ways to make them more like a leader, and most of all, she is our biggest cheerleader. She only wants the best for us, and when she teaches, she MAKES SURE we learn and know what she's talking about because she wants us to be the best version of ourselves. Without Mrs. Gorton, I don't know who I would look up for advice, whether it's personal or in school. She's someone that cares for us, and will always be there for us. She's unlike a teacher I've ever had, and I will say she is the most influential teacher I've ever had by far. She definitely has changed lives in the past, and will continue doing so in the future, and I thank her for that.
Although I have never had Mrs. Gorton as a teacher officially, her influence on our school has impacted me and many others. Mrs. Gorton is a true inspiration to me, especially as I aspire to become a teacher one day. She genuinely cares for all her students, both those she has taught and those she hasn't had the chance to teach.
I’ve had Mrs. Gorton for the past 2 years in student government, and in that span of time she has taught me how to be a true leader. She saw potential in me as she does in all of her students, and encouraged me to come out of my shell and be the leader she knew I could be. With selecting me to be President of the Student Athlete Leadership Team, she showed me qualities I didn’t even know I had. Her support and belief in my abilities helped me build confidence to voice my opinions and taught me that no idea is a bad idea. Without Mrs. Gorton’s mentorship and guidance I definitely would not be where I am today, or the person I am today and I cannot begin to thank her enough.
Mrs. Gorton helped me like math more and has helped me feel more confident. She’s changed the way I feel about math.
Mrs. Gorton is just incredible. From a teaching perspective, she made incredibly difficult concepts seem straightforward and intuitive. She introduced me to statistics and gave me the tools to excel at it to the point that I've since chosen it as my major and will be getting my Bachelor's in it in three months. She cares so much about her students and makes them feel seen and heard in ways that most teachers don't bother to.
After having Mrs. Gorton for three years of my high school career, my life has been truly impacted by her as she continuously mentors students like myself, guiding us to inherit the characteristics she displays daily. Her ability to balance teaching, coaching, and leading almost every school event is something that amazes me and the other students daily and is a perfect representation of her dedication and hard working abilities. Additionally, her selflessness is continuously shown as she is always looking for ways to give back to others and our community without expecting anything in return. Lastly, the love she expresses for her job is something that creates a welcoming and enjoyable learning environment for her students.
Mrs. Gorton is more than just a teacher; she is the person who helped me discover passions I didn’t even know I had. Before being in her class, math felt like a chore, but she made it come alive with her clear explanations and genuine excitement for the subject. Her patience and encouragement gave me the confidence to tackle even the hardest problems, and now math feels like a puzzle I actually enjoy solving. Beyond academics, Mrs. Gorton was also the one who noticed my potential in football, specifically in kicking. She encouraged me to try out for the team and even helped me believe in my abilities when I doubted myself. Her words, "You've got the power and focus for this," stuck with me. I started practicing every day, and soon, kicking became one of my favorite things to do. It taught me discipline, perseverance, and the thrill of achieving a goal—literally and figuratively. Mrs. Gorton didn’t just teach me math; she taught me how to see my own potential. She celebrated my small victories and pushed me to dream bigger, both in the classroom and on the field. Now, I can say I love math and football equally, and it’s all thanks to her belief in me. Mrs. Gorton’s impact on my life goes beyond grades or goals; she showed me how passion and hard work can open doors I never imagined. For that, I will always be grateful and genuinely consider her somebody who changed my life for the better.
Mrs. Gorton has been a life changer for my son. She has helped him come out of his shell. I am forever grateful for her compassion, leadership, genuine kindness and caring for all of her students. She is helpful and nurturing while being a leader and giving our students the very best.
Very great leader. SHES THE BEST!!
I never personally had Mrs. Gorton as a teacher, but she had an extreme impact on life. She was my track coach and pushed me to do my best. If I needed help in classes, she would let me come in her class during her planning period and tutor me. I would not have passed without her
Mrs. Gorton made one of the largest impacts for me in high school. Not only was she one of the best teachers South Fork had to offer she truly cares about each and every one of her students. During my senior year my dad was diagnosed with cancer and in a time of pure chaos in my life she acted as a sounding board and a supporter. She was the first teacher I told and asked for help through that situation and she held my hand and shared a personal story telling me that I am not alone in this. Her words from that moment have still stuck with me and were a guiding light through the darkness of that year. In times where I needed help or support she was the first one to offer it. My senior year was a difficult one, but thanks to Mrs. gorton I had the support to still finish out the year and succeed. Mrs. Gordon’s impact on her students is more that just being a good math teacher she helps each and every student she comes into contact with and that is why she is so loved. I truly don’t know what I would have done without her and there is no teacher that deserves this award more than her.
Ms. Gorton has always been the kind of teacher who sees the potential in others long before they see it themselves. During my years in high school, I had the privilege of being one of her students for three years. I was quiet, reserved, and far too shy to interact with others. However, over time, as I spent more time in her classroom, I was able to see many extraordinary things. She wasn't just a teacher, she was a leader, a mentor, and an unwavering source of support. Through her involvement in school programs, like SGA, SALT, cross country, the Bulldog Closet, and far far more, Ms. Gorton demonstrated an incredible dedication and passion for making the school better. But what makes her stand out the most is her genuine care for each student, always pushing us to be the best version of us. She didn't just tell others to strive for our greatness but showed us how to. Ms. Gorton was never simply helping us meet school deadlines or expectations. She challenged us to push past our limits and discover strengths and attributes we didn't even know we had. She made me believe that we weren't just students, but individuals capable of doing something meaningful, something more than I thought would be possible. I will never forget Ms. Gorton telling me I had the potential to be a leader. Coming from someone who had always been quiet and unsure of myself, those words will stick with me forever. It wasn't just a passing compliment, but a reflection of the belief she had in me, even when I couldn't see that for myself. Her encouraging words weren't about being the loudest in the room, but about believing in yourself and inspiring others to do the same. Her ability to see the good in everyone, even when they are quiet, truly meant everything to me. That moment changed how I saw myself, and even more, now that I'm in college.
Mrs. Gorton was my math teacher sophomore year and she was absolutely amazing. She always greeted you with a smile and wouldn't give up trying to help kids understand and pass the class. Best math teacher i've ever had.
From the first day I had Mrs Gorton as a teacher, she has made a strong impact in my life and I have learned to be the leader I am from her. Mrs Gorton is one to lead by example, she will not tell you to do something if it is not the right thing to do. One thing that stands out to me about Mrs Gorton is her caring aspect and ensuring everyone is accounted for. Last year Mrs Gorton had an amazing idea to start a thrift store in our school, at first it was just an idea but she put her effort into making the thrift store into a safe place where kids in need could come in and shop for affordable clothes as well as get free hygienic products. Mrs Gorton proves to show that you can never be too busy and that when she commits herself to something she will put all of her effort into it to make sure that activity is amazing. She is the coach of Cross country, track and field, the advisor and head of Student government, and the head of S.A.L.T(Student Athlete and Leadership Team) an amazing math teacher. She is also a tremendous entrepreneur running a business teaching curriculum to other teachers so that teachers will be just as talented as her when teaching. I truly believe that she deserves this award and that she is the Life Changer Of The Year.
I have had Mrs. Gorton as a teacher for the past 3 years in both math and student government, and I can say without a doubt, she is the most selfless, caring teacher I've ever had. She is always looking out for her students and other teachers, and does so much to make the school and community a better place. She is an amazing leader and inspires that of everyone around her. She truly cares about every student, insuring everyone's success. In math class, she always takes the time to cater lessons to our levels and needs, and has an incredible amount of patients for everyone's questions. In many classes people are too afraid to ask questions because a lot of times teachers make people feel "stupid" or "less-than" for not understanding certain things, but Mrs. Gorton is exactly the opposite, the way she teaches is welcoming and so easily comprehendible. She really knows her stuff and is able to explain the "why" of math so many others aren't. She is beyond selfless, sacrificing so much of her personal time to help us students and the school along with everyone in it. Involved in SGA, SALT, track, cross country, the bulldog closet, and flying across the country to teach other teachers, I believe Mrs. Gorton deserves this award more than anyone else.
From the first day I had Mrs Gorton as a teacher, she has made a strong impact in my life and I have learned to be the leader I am from her. Mrs Gorton is one to lead by example, she will not tell you to do something if it is not the right thing to do. One thing that stands out to me about Mrs Gorton is her caring aspect and ensuring everyone is accounted for. Last year Mrs Gorton had an amazing idea to start a thrift store in our school, at first it was just an idea but she put her effort into making the thrift store into a safe place where kids in need could come in and shop for affordable clothes as well as get free hygienic products. Mrs Gorton proves to show that you can never be too busy and that when she commits herself to something she will put all of her effort into it to make sure that activity is amazing. She is the coach of Cross country, track and field, the advisor and head of Student government, and the head of S.A.L.T(Student Athlete and Leadership Team) an amazing math teacher. She is also a tremendous entrepreneur running a business teaching curriculum to other teachers so that teachers will be just as talented as her when teaching. I truly believe that she deserves this award and that she is the Life Changer Of The Year.
From the first day I had Mrs Gorton as a teacher, she has made a strong impact in my life and I have learned to be the leader I am from her. Mrs Gorton is one to lead by example, she will not tell you to do something if it is not the right thing to do. One thing that stands out to me about Mrs Gorton is her caring aspect and ensuring everyone is accounted for. Last year Mrs Gorton had an amazing idea to start a thrift store in our school, at first it was just an idea but she put her effort into making the thrift store into a safe place where kids in need could come in and shop for affordable clothes as well as get free hygienic products. Mrs Gorton proves to show that you can never be too busy and that when she commits herself to something she will put all of her effort into it to make sure that activity is amazing. She is the coach of Cross country, track and field, the advisor and head of Student government, and the head of S.A.L.T(Student Athlete and Leadership Team) an amazing math teacher. She is also a tremendous entrepreneur running a business teaching curriculum to other teachers so that teachers will be just as talented as her when teaching. I truly believe that she deserves this award and that she is the Life Changer Of The Year.
My life has been so greatly impacted by Mrs. Gorton. Through her teaching and involvment in extracurriculars, she has truly made me the person I am today. She has shown me leadership, compassion, and problem-solving in action since the day I first met her. It is through her support and encouragement that I have claimed my accomplishments and have helped give back. She is completely selfless in all that he does, not only advising her students to ask "how can I help", but also living by that herself. Mrs. Gorton has never turned down an opportunity to help her students, our school, or our community, and has taken so many tasks upon herself over the years to contribute as much as she can to making our community the best it can be. With Mrs. Gorton, I have found the confidence to try new things and attempt working in different directions. I owe so much to this brilliant teacher and am forever thankful to have been surrounded by the best influence the world has to offer.
Before having Mrs. Gorton as a math teacher, I felt hopeless about math—convinced I was unteachable. When I got into her Applications and Interpretations class, I hoped to simply fly under the radar—but Mrs. Gorton was never going to let that happen. Now, math no longer feels like a chore. I began her Algebra 2 class feeling scared and confused, but here I am, in her Applications and Interpretations class, proud of the progress I’ve made. While I’m glad Mrs. Gorton taught me how to solve equations, I’m forever grateful she taught me to believe in myself.
Mrs. Gorton is truly one of the most inspiring and selfless teachers I’ve ever had. She goes above and beyond for her students and for South fork high school. She dedicates countless of her own hours and energy to our Student Government and school events to help us succeed, and she does it all without expecting anything in return. She is also the best math teacher ever; I used to hate math due to bad teachers in the past but she has helped me love it by incorporating fun activities and games within our lesson plans. As the sponsor of Student Government, Mrs. Gorton has also taught me so much about leadership and confidence. She’s helped me find my voice and shown me how to stand up for myself. I am so lucky to have Mrs Gorton as my teacher and she truly deserves every reward possible.
Thank you for all you do not only for SGA but for our community. Thank you for helping me with math and understanding it better. Gonna miss you next year! YOUR THE BEST!!
Amazing teacher as well as an amazing parent that teaches great lifestyles and helps keep plenty of kids get out of trouble
Mrs Gorton rocks! I had Mrs Gorton as my student government teacher my junior and senior year of high school and I have never seen a teacher more passionate about their work. She pushed each and every one of us in her class to truly turn our school into a better place. While this class was focused on fun student engagement, Mrs Gorton continuously emphasized the importance on giving back to our community as well. She was always looking to improve and allow our program to grow, benefitting everyone around us. Seeing this drive and passion that she has truly inspires me everyday and has pushed me to become who I am today.
Mrs. Gorton has had an incredible influence on my life, not only by making math understandable and even enjoyable but also by inspiring me to become a better leader. Her dedication and support have made a real difference in not only my life but all the students who have the opportunity to have her as a teacher. Please feel free to contact my email for any further testimonies.
Mrs. Gorton was the kind of teacher who saw potential where others saw problems. When I first met her, I was a kid who didn’t care about anything—school, the future, or even my own well-being. I had a reputation for being disruptive, careless, and always on the edge of trouble. I was one of those students that seemed destined to slip through the cracks, unnoticed or misunderstood by most adults.
But Mrs. Gorton saw something different in me from the very beginning. She didn’t give up on me, even when I didn’t give her much to work with. Instead of just focusing on my grades or bad behavior, she took the time to understand what was behind my actions. She spoke to me like I mattered, and in doing so, she made me realize that I did matter. She showed me that there was more to life than just getting by or trying to make the day go faster. Mrs. Gorton helped me to see my own potential, even when I couldn’t see it myself.
She didn’t just talk the talk—she walked the walk. She encouraged me to join the cheer team, even though I doubted my own abilities. I had never thought of myself as someone who could be part of something bigger than just getting through the day. But she saw my potential for leadership, my ability to connect with others, and most importantly, my capacity to change. Her belief in me was contagious, and slowly, I started believing in myself too.
With Mrs. Gorton’s guidance, I worked hard to improve—not just in school, but in every part of my life. I joined the cheer team, pushed myself to be a leader, and eventually became the president of a club I never thought I could lead. The more I got involved, the more I realized I had the power to make a real difference—not just in my own life, but in the lives of others.
What really stuck with me, though, was how Mrs. Gorton taught me to be involved in the community. She showed me that life wasn’t about taking—it's about giving back, whether it’s through a smile, a kind word, or volunteer work. Thanks to her encouragement, I found my place in the world and understood the importance of making positive contributions, no matter how small.
Mrs. Gorton didn’t just change my path; she changed my mindset. She helped me go from a kid with no direction to someone who understood the value of hard work, leadership, and community. To this day, I am forever grateful for the time, patience, and belief she invested in me. Mrs. Gorton didn’t just teach me subjects from a textbook; she taught me the lessons that really mattered in life.
Mrs. Gorton has been my teacher since sophomore year. She is by far the greatest math teacher I have ever had, and is also one of the hardest working, and most deserving people I know.
The rest of my classmates can attest to this as well.
Mrs. Gorton has been my math teacher for three years and I couldnt ask for a better educator. In her class she makes sure everyone understands and can execute the lessons she teaches allowing all her students to feel confident. Mrs. Gorton has changed my outlook on school turning it into a place where I feel welcomed to have questions and get stronger in my mathematical abilities. She has definately been a life changer in my life as i'm positive she has been for many other students who've had the pleasure of having her as their educator.
Mrs. Gorton has been my teacher for a majority of my high school life. Since my sophomore year, I have had the pleasure of learning through her amazing teaching methods. Mrs. Gorton's ability to always make a math problem seem easy is outstanding, and she constantly makes me feel as if my questions are relevant to the lesson (no matter how stupid the question in). Mrs. Gorton has changed my life to make me feel like I am able to do anything I set my mind to as long as I put in the effort. She has never failed to give her students the opportunity to improve through multiple activities that not only build our math knowledge, but also our teamwork skills. Furthermore, Mrs. Gorton has always been the most amazing SGA coordinator and plans the best events in collaboration with her students. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful teacher in my life who is so kind, considerate, and funny. Mrs. Gorton has changed my life for the better.
Mrs. Gorton is genuinely the best teacher I have ever had. For the past two years, she has been my SGA and math teacher. She fosters an environment where mistakes are embraced and used as a tool for growth and development. I believe her style of teaching is what has helped drastically improve my math skills. In SGA, she has always encouraged all of my ideas. SGA has helped push me "out of my shell" and it has genuinely become my favorite aspect of South Fork.
When Mrs. Gorton was South Fork's Teacher of the Year; I did not exaggerate when I said that she should be Teacher of the Century. Every student I know in the IB program, regardless of their partiality to mathematics, always affirm that they feel most confident in Math. It isn't because they are good at math or even like it. It's because Mrs. Gorton embodies all that is admirable in the teaching profession. She brings her sports background into the classroom and makes everyone feel like they are part of a team. For students who are not comfortable with the material, she makes special tests and quizzes geared to their learning styles. Even in the mornings and afternoons, outside of class, she answers any questions I have. When I was studying for an admissions test for a school outside of the country, despite being unfamiliar with the material, she still helped me. In her class, no one is left behind and no math problem is left unsolved. Her dedication to SGA and South Fork High School is so apparent that even I, someone who doesn't even attend homecoming dances, cannot ignore it. For me, Mrs. Gorton shall forever be the gold standard of teaching, and I am so grateful for the privilege of being her student for 3 years.
Mrs. Gorton has been a life changer for both of my kids, and her impact is something they will remember and take with them throughout their lives. She is vibrant, caring and gives so much. She has helped my kids learn and love math, been a coach to my daughter, and an IB advisor to my son (and me which I greatly needed). It does not matter if it is during school or after hours she is always willing to meet and help. Her school spirit and work with SGA and the Bulldog Closet is remarkable. She celebrates the success of her students and athletes, which encourages them to keep reaching and is an area I feel falls short in high school culture and education today. Most importantly though is that my kids talk about her so positively and often just in random conversations, which makes me know that that she has had an important impact in their lives. We are so grateful for her and wish the world was full of life changers like Kyle Gorton! :)
Mrs Gorton is definitely a life changer. She is a coach, mentor (to parents and students), leads the Student Government, and most recently started the “Bulldog Closet” A place where students in need can come and freely receive clothing and other necessities donated by our students and families. She sees a need and she fills it! Personally she has taken time out of her busy schedule to sit down and answer ALL of my questions regarding my son and his goals for Highschool and beyond. I’ve watched her tutor students after a travel basketball game on the bench outside the gym because they needed extra help. She goes above and beyond the call
Of duty and I would definitely consider her a life changer!
Mrs.Gorton is not only the best teacher but also the best coach. She’s made complex topics easy to understand and is always supportive and fun to be around.
I’ve had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Coach Gorton over the past four years as she’s been my teacher, cross country coach, track coach, and Student Athletic Leadership Team advisor. I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication that she puts into our teams. She is 100% committed to the success of her athletes and strives for each of us to be our best. She goes out of her way to give us the best opportunities by taking us to competitive meets no matter how far the drive is, or how much personal time she sacrifices because of it. We’ve spent countless Friday nights and early Saturday mornings together. Her guidance and support have made a lasting impression on me. Coach Gorton is also an incredible teacher. Learning in her class is engaging, and she always goes the extra mile to help students understand challenging concepts. Whether that means staying after school for extra help, coming in before school to go over what we’re learning, or meeting with you two years after being her student to help you prepare for the ACT. Her dedication to her students/athletes success is clear, and she has mastered the art of pushing us to be our very best. She holds us accountable and teaches us to work hard all while being our biggest cheerleader. I’ve grown as a student and an athlete thanks to Coach Kyle Gorton.
Mrs. Gorton is not only my IB math teacher but also my cross-country and track coach. She deserves the LifeChanger of the Year award more than anyone: she has changed my life and the lives of many others. Before taking her class, I had never really learned math; no one had taken the time to help me understand it, and I had never earned an A+ on a math test- I actually hated math. That all changed in Mrs. Gorton’s class. Her passion and care for teaching are unmatched; she answers all my questions, demonstrates alternative methods, and explains the reasoning behind concepts. She believed in me like no other teacher ever had. I never thought I would understand calculus, but now I do, and I even improved my math sub-score on the ACT by 4 points—all thanks to Mrs. Gorton. As a coach, she is both supportive and empowering. She stands by us in practice and at races, whether we’re feeling great or struggling. Her dedication and love for the team are unwavering, regardless of the situation. Every student deserves a coach or teacher like Mrs. Gorton because I can guarantee she would transform their lives for the better.
Mrs. Gorton is such an amazing person to be around everyday. She literally does everything for our school: coaches xc and track, is the best math teacher, plans every pep rally and school spirit event, and so much more. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love Mrs. Gorton. She always encourages me and my team to be the best athletes and student we can be. I’m so lucky to have her as my teacher and coach.
“She’s always at all of our rugby games! Our biggest supporter”
Throughout my life, my mom has taken the role of teacher, mother, and coach. Due to all of her roles, I have been able to see her making amazing change and impact on not only my live, but my friends and peers as well. Her guidance has allowed for me to become the person that I am and I can account so many of my achievements to her genuine love and support :)
Kyle is a phenomenal educator. She possesses a truly rare quality of having a mastery of her content and being able to connect, communicate and teach students of all ability levels. She continually puts her students first and finds engaging and cooperative ways to keep her students motivated. Kyle is always available to help out fellow teachers even if they are in another school. Her passion to make her students lives better shines through in everything she does. She is truly the best at what she does.
