LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Brady Thompson was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Mr. Thompson embodies what a school counselor should be for both students and staff. His welcoming nature and overall caring demeanor allow everyone who meets him to truly feel loved and cared for. He welcomes all students and families to his school with grace and provides a sense of familiarity for them that makes them feel at ease. He is focused on the emotional development and safely of students.

"Mr. Thompson creates a wonderful rapport with students by sharing a 'Nerdy Fact of the Day' each morning as they walk in the door," said the nominator. "Floods of students look forward to this connection and literally hunt him down to get their moment with 'Mr. T.'"

He has created clubs throughout his career, such as guitar clubs and comic book clubs, that have been student-driven and have allowed students who feel disconnected to find a place to thrive.

"He is their safe place, their confidant, and their pal. On a regular basis, parents rave about how Mr. Thompson has gone the extra mile to provide quality care for their student and the family as a whole. He has quickly become a pillar at Cedar Ridge Intermediate. He shows up every day with a smile on his face and is never too busy to take a moment to check in with any and all staff," his nominator said. "His office is  a hub of the building for both staff and students. If I had had a quarter for every time someone stopped me to say 'I just love that Mr. T.' I would be retiring tomorrow. Mr. Thompson blesses us daily, and we are better because of him."