LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dominic Patacsil was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Mr. Patacsil is one of the most committed and dedicated teachers one could ever meet. His passion for teaching is evident in his daily routine.  He instills a passion for learning in his students that makes them want to come to school.  He makes every student feel at home and gets them all to work to their potential. Mr. Patacsil finds methods to make all of his students feel important and participate in class.

As a theater teacher, he has created an award-winning program out of nothing.  His fundraising efforts helped him get the theater program started at Garfield, and it has blossomed into a program that rivals professional theater companies.  His professionalism and the high demands he places on his students are the reasons his program is very successful.  He sacrifices many hours of his personal time to attend workshops and conferences to learn how to make his Theater program more successful. His former students have gone on to work professionally in the field and attribute their success to Mr. Patacsil and the confidence he instilled in them.

"Mr. Patacsil has made a positive impact on Garfield High School and the community of East Los Angeles, and has made Theater a relevant area of study. He has not only changed the lives of his students, but has changed the lives of many audience members who have come to experience his productions," said his nominator. "As a member of this community, it makes me proud to say that Mr. Patacsil is providing an avenue for our youth to be involved in something positive that they can continue as professionals.