LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Patricia Nunnally was nominated anonymously.

"Mrs. Patricia Nunnally is changing lives in our community for the better. As long as she's been teaching, Mrs. Nunnally has been inspiring students with emotional and mental health issues to reach their full potential," said the nominator.

Mrs. Nunnally gives her students the skills and opportunity to learn, grow, and shine. If her students have a need, she finds a way to meet it. She builds strong, positive relationships within her school, district, and community. With her care and instruction, Mrs. Nunnally's students and their families have hope and positive outcomes.

This year, the school district has opened a school for students with severe mental health needs. It's the first of its kind established by a school district in South Carolina. Mrs. Nunnally and a few others were instrumental in establishing Compass Academy. She is the academic lead for the program and truly its heart. She is building a nurturing, safe space where students get the academic support and therapy services they need to develop the skills they need to return to a traditional school successfully. Mrs. Nunnally is committed to ensuring her school is an inclusive, positive learning environment for all students.

Mrs. Nunnally has an exemplary record as an educator and a leader. She's a South Carolina Financial Literacy Master Teacher. Her middle school students are two-time South Carolina Personal Finance Challenge champions. Mrs. Nunnally was named a School Teacher of the Year twice and was a District Teacher of the Year finalist. Mrs. Nunnally was also the National University's Top inspiring teacher for the state of South Carolina. Mrs. Nunnally is also a mentor teacher for her district. Mrs. Nunnally is a true professional who gives her all every day to her students, colleagues, and communities. She steps up to every challenge to ensure her students have what they need to become successful students and productive community members. Her efforts are reflected every day in her students' smiling faces and progress.