LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Diane Howard was nominated by Kriston Butler. 

Dr. Howard walked onto the campus of Crossroads Academy in November 2007. The school needed restructuring and a leader willing to work in an extremely challenging environment. Crossroads Academy is an Alternative Educational site for at-risk students. Students come to the school from the western area of Palm Beach County for various behavioral and academic reasons. Crossroads Academy was unorganized and needed peace to be restored.

Dr. Howard came to Crossroads Academy on a mission, and it was personal. Dr. Howard grew up in the Glades area; these were her faces and her students. She wanted what every parent wants for their children—a safe and caring environment for students to learn.

Her first mission was to create a single school culture that nurtures all students, including those who are learning, struggling, or challenging. Crossroads Academy was the first Alternative School to bring school spirit to the campus. Dr. Howard accomplished this in several ways. First, she put together clubs that all comprehensive campuses have, such as chess club, garden club, step club, T.E.A.M. club, student council, and much more. Because of Dr. Howard's leadership, community leaders and mentors provide student programs and services. For example, C.T.O. (Chosen To Overcome) is an essential program and grant developed by a business partner, Bishop Leonard Neal. The program motivates and supports students who have had challenges with law enforcement.

During football season, the students had a coronation that included all the wonderful things that make students want to come to school. Mission and vision statements were created, followed by a school creed read aloud daily over the announcements.

"Our students come to us very behind, so we may never be an 'A' school, but we are the most important school to our students," said Butler. 

Creating a single school culture was Dr. Howard's first goal. After about one year, she accomplished that goal.

"I have worked under Dr. Howard's leadership for over 15 years. Dr. Howard is extremely humble. She has taken this school to the top of the mountain," said Butler.

Community families describe the school as a private school that takes good care of their children. She brought the community into the everyday procedures of school. The Mayor of Belle Glade is on campus daily. She has recruited many church volunteers and retired teachers to come aboard and be a part of Crossroads Academy. 

"She is always the first at school and the last to leave campus each and every day. I am always teasing her that she must lie awake in bed every night thinking and creating more things for us to do," said Butler. "She is constantly coming up with more and more programs to help the students. The newest example is the Saturday program called the 'Children and Family Academy.' She has also created the Wings of Grace Aviation Program and Exploders Club...I could go on."

Students do not want to leave Crossroads. They thrive in the family (single school culture) environment Dr. Howard created during her time on campus.

In conclusion, Dr. Howard has made a major impact on at-risk students. They feel empowered after coming to the school. Dr. Howard is fair to her staff and a true leader for her team and the Glades community. She will go above and beyond the call of duty to help the children. Dr. Howard makes you want to be a part of something better.