LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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James McDonough

Position: Teacher on Special Assignment
School: Park Vista Community High School
School District: Palm Beach County School District
City, State: Lake Worth, FL

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James McDonough was nominated by his principal, Enrique Vela.

Mr. McDonough is a teacher on special assignment (Dean) at Park Vista Community High School. He and his team have implemented numerous initiatives to enhance school morale, staff wellness, and student mental health.

"He heads up our school-based team and coordinates services such as student safety plans, post-suspension interventions, grief counseling, and mentoring. As a result, our school continues to have one of the District's lowest suspension rates, including a continuous reduction in the number of repeat offenders of disciplinary infractions," said Vela.

Unfortunately, Park Vista has had to endure two tragic student deaths in 2024. Mr. McDonough and his team were instrumental in helping the school staff, students, and parents cope with the loss of these two young people. As a member of the original faculty of Park Vista Community High School, he continues to lead with the empathy, compassion, patience, and diligence needed to ensure the safety and well-being of over 3,000 students for the past 20 years. He is indeed a LifeChanger!

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Comments (2)

Ronn Peteck Posted over a year ago

Mr. McDonough has been a long time friend and colleague to me for 17 years. He's spent many hours working with students through de-escalating situations and counseling. He's abilities to diagnose and recommend the correct action for students is uncanny. He's dedication to career, students and family life. BUT he's able to balance the two quite well and makes him an outstanding Father and Mentor to everyone. Outside of School, he is a Varsity Baseball Coach, and Soccer father. The one thing I like the most about Mr. McDonough is the patience, and calmness in his mannerism. Truly an amazing person to all of us here at Park Vista Community High School. I could continue with many more accolades to his personality and demeanor. But for now, truly one of the Best Teacher, Support Staff, and Counselor I know. Mr. Peteck

Jaunice Brown Posted over a year ago

Mr. McDonough is truly a valuable asset to our Park Vista Family. Everyday he goes over and beyond his call of duty to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. I really enjoy working with him on our Threat Management Team. Keep up that amazing work that you do to support Cobra Country. #ALWAYSTEAMMCDONOUGH