LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Eddie Rooney was nominated by a student.

"Mr. Rooney is the kind of teacher who changes lives! He's made such a huge difference in my life," said the student. "He doesn't just teach us history; he helps us believe in ourselves, have high moral and ethical standards, and be honest, respectful, and hardworking. He regularly gives amazing positive quotes and advice to live by. He challenges us and shows us strengths we did not know we had. He also creates a safe, nurturing environment where we can discuss anything with him. Students and colleagues look up to him, as the teachers have better students who want to learn. The success rate in his class is amazing."

"He tutors me and other students after school almost every day and even gives up his free periods during the day to tutor as well. I suffer from anxiety in exams, and Mr. Rooney is great at helping me calm down and understand that 'You only fail if you give up, that it's just a test, and the world won't stop spinning if you fail it. You can study again and redo it.' He gives every student a chance to shine, no matter where they're starting from, and he's why many of us are excited to come to school. You can feel the impact he's had on the whole school. The vibe in his classroom is always positive and welcoming, and that energy spreads and inspires students to want to do better in all their subjects. He is the most deserving teacher and a true LifeChanger," said the student.

Three words to describe Mr. Rooney are inspiring, supportive, and caring. He has encouraged students to work hard, provided them with extra tutoring, and helped them cope with the stresses of school and exams.

"An interaction that impacted me was when we were in his room retaking a test. I got stressed out during the test, and Mr. Rooney noticed that I didn't have the right mindset to take the test. He paused my test, and for about 30 minutes, he just spoke to me. He sat in front of me and told me that it was just a test and didn't define me as a student. He kept telling me positive words to help motivate me and put me in a better mindset. He was the first person to ever relate to me in that way of my learning style. He talked to me instead of having me sit there and take a test. After about 30 minutes, when I was calm, I continued the test," said the student. "I will never forget that interaction/conversation I had with him."