Tom Ratterman was nominated anonymously.
Mr. Ratterman is an exceptional candidate for the National LifeChanger of the Year award. His unwavering kindness, motivation, and dedication to positively impacting students make him a pillar of inspiration at Dayton schools.
As the Energy Bus for Schools Program leader, Mr. Ratterman fosters a culture of kindness, inclusion, and motivation, empowering students to embrace positivity and live by The Energy Bus principles. Mr. Ratterman doesn’t just talk about making a difference—he lives it. Mr. Ratterman arranged for Bengals kicker Evan McPherson to visit and inspire students, creating an unforgettable moment that connected sports, perseverance, and character. Guided by the golden rule of treating others as he would like to be treated, Mr. Ratterman consistently uplifts students, many of whom see him as one of their few positive role models. Through his actions, Mr. Ratterman exemplifies the true meaning of being a difference-maker, instilling hope and purpose in the lives of those he serves. His efforts ripple far beyond the classroom, making him more than deserving of this recognition.
I don’t know of a more deserving teacher for this award than Mr. Ratterman (my dad). I believe that in the last few years of my dad working at Dayton High School, he has completely changed the atmosphere in the most positive way! Many of these kids don't always have the most positive home life, but they sure do find encouragement and positivity when they come to school. My dad is the perfect person to be in the role that he is in. He shows tough love to students when they need it. He show grace to students when they need it. He shows compassion to all. He most importantly reflects Jesus in the way that he cares for the kids that he teaches. We live in a world with much darkness and evil but my dad is a perfect example of what Jesus said in Matthew 5:15 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.”
God calls His children to love, be kind, compassionate, caring, and to be a light in a world where there is much darkness. My dad, a child of the one true living God, lives all of those things out, changing the lives of many at Dayton High School!
Mr. Ratterman is a kind soul that encourages students and shows up everyday with a positive attitude. His small acts of service everyday; whether it’s giving a student a fist bump, or asking them how their day was in the hallway, cheers up students and gives them the opportunity to talk about themselves. I’ve never seen Mr.Ratterman treat a student negatively, and everyone that’s met him always regard him as a lovely person.
Mr. Ratterman is a great man who wishes to see the best out of everyone. He goes out of his way to make an important impact on peoples lives and there is no one more deserving of this award. Even if you’ve never had him for a class, you’ve felt his impact. He’s an amazing example of what a role model should be, we’ve all been lucky to be around this amazing man.
Mr. Ratterman is an incredible person that will lift anyone up. He helped spark my love of basketball and has always been not just a teacher, but a friend of mine. I’ve talked to his son multiple times and I can tell he is a great father as well. I believe he is the best candidate for this award!!
There is no more deserving man, educator, or human in the world for this award. Mr. Ratterman is on of the brightest spots in this earth and always know how to put a smile on someone’s face. He has helped with so much in the few years I’ve known him even when I didn’t tell something was wrong he would always uplift my day.
While I’ve never had a class with Mr. Ratterman, I do see him in the halls all of the time. Mr. Ratterman is someone that will always make you smile and laugh when you pass by his class. His ability to inspire students and make school more enjoyable for kids that he doesn’t even have in class is like no other. Mr. Ratterman is someone who genuinely radiates positive energy and uplifts our school as a whole.
Mr.Ratterman is the type of person who can inspire and uplift you even if you are not in any of his classes. Although he has never directly been one of my teachers, his positivity has impacted me and my academic journey nonetheless. He leads by example and is one staff member I can confidently say we are incredibly lucky to have. From his words of wisdom to his contagious determination, I can easily say he is an outstanding candidate for this award!
As I didn't directly have Mr. Ratterman as a teacher, he has continuously supported me through my academic journey. He always sets a positive example within our school and is clearly driven to motivate others. He makes the best of every situation and encourages others to do the same. He has directly impacted my journey through high school as well as many others. His characteristics ultimately prove himself for this nomination.
Tom Ratterman exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and purpose. His passion for serving his school and students shines through in every action he takes. By championing The Energy Bus for Schools program, Tom has brought a transformative tool to his campus, igniting a journey toward a more positive and empowering school culture. His dedication to fostering meaningful relationships with students and laying the foundation for their growth into positive, successful adults is truly inspiring. With unwavering determination, Tom is creating a ripple effect of positivity that not only impacts his school but extends to everyone he connects with.
Congrats Tom! Well deserved nomination!
I am proud to say Tom Ratterman is my brother In Law.
He is the Best thing that happened to Dayton High School.
Tom Ratterman is an invaluable member of our school community. He is a driver of positive energy and collaboration. He is what every educator should strive to be!
Tom and I met at Regional School Programs. He was such a chill guy with a calming presence and voice. He just puts you at ease. His personal goals of running marathons and losing weight have inspired many. He is so deserving of this award because of his talents in and out of the classroom, and the impact he makes on others.
When Tom approached me with the powerful message of Jon Gordon’s Energy Bus I was immediately on board! As superintendent of Dayton Schools I knew our students, staff and community needed this message and that Tom was the one to drive the bus! Tom has inspired us all by living our mission to Inspire, Engage and Grow! He became a certified trainer in the Energy Bus and started a grassroots movement that has now grown to include the entire school! Tom is changing lives with his Woo, Positivity and Passion for Developing others!
His bus is rolling and picking up riders everyday!
So proud of Tom!!!
Tom is a life changer, a friend, a mentor, an encourage, and a running buddy in my life. I first met Tom in 2019, and in that first meeting, I realized that he was a man who cared about people, equipping and encouraging them to thrive in life. Since 2019, Tom and I have been friends who share ideas with each other to help others grow. Tom's constant support and encouragement is contagious. He brings positivity and life lessons into every conversation through his words, actions, and stories. Tom deserves this nomination of Life Changer because he is simply changing lives each and every day with everyone he meets. I am proud of him! Keep the Faith & Keep being a Life Changer!
Tom Ratterman is one of the most positive individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He is inspirational in many regards but his unwavering dedication toward supporting the students that enter his orbit is truly remarkable. Not only is he a truly large person (he’s like 7’8 without shoes on) but he also has one of the largest hearts out there. Tom is a blessing to the Dayton community, students and staff included.
Congrats Tom. Well deserved.
Tom is one of the kindest, most selfless people I know. He is always positive and encouraging. I’ve known Tom for a few years now and he really loves sharing his passions and does anything and everything he can to make a difference in his student’s lives. I am truly honored to call Tom a friend and I know he’ll have my back and be there to help and encourage me at any moment!
I first met Tom when I was a principal and his children attended my school. Not only was he an involved parent to his two, he cared about the entire school community. Days off from his regular job, he sub-taught for us, coached teams and totally supported administration. He absolutely deserves this award as a life-long learner/teacher/caregiver.
I’ve known Tom for well over a decade and he is simply a great guy. I first met him when he coached a team my daughter played on and he’s a great coach and even better person. Tom is always so upbeat and friendly as well as kind and caring. Tom is a great role model for the kids and is so deserving of this award!
No one more deserving of this award. Tom Ratterman is man of character and he helps young people reach their full potential.
As a parent of a student in the district I see Mr. Ratterman’s interactions with students, staff and the community often, and his attitude of positivity is contagious. He’s always smiling, looking at the good in everyone and always cheering everyone on! Mr. Ratterman is 110% deserving of this honor with the positive culture he is creating in our schools.
