LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Karl Cabucio was nominated by his superintendent, Thomas Aubin.

Mr. Cabucio has been employed in his district since 2002. Throughout his tenure, he has been a fierce advocate for his students and school. He has been instrumental in recruiting students to the wildly successful Business Technology program. The high standards that he holds for his students are readily evident, as students in his program earn a minimum of two industry credentials upon completion of ninth grade. These credentials translate to greater employability, as well as additional college and career opportunities for his students. "The Business Technology program is annually one of the most sought after vocational programs at his school. It speaks to his ability to engage all students and the commitment he makes to them each day," Aubin said.

Mr. Cabucio has made it his personal mission to ensure that all students at Diman have obtained an OSHA 10-Hour Safety Course credential by the end of their freshman year. His commitment to the safety of his students is evidenced by the countless hours he spends working with other instructors at the school to organize, monitor and assist in their administration of this course. He also works in the summer with special education and English language learners who cannot get this credential during the school year. "He is passionate about student safety and the district stakeholders owe him a great debt of gratitude for his work," Aubin said.

Mr. Cabucio is also his school's SkillsUSA Co-Chapter Advisor. Each year, he recruits hundreds of students to participate in a competition that benefits students and the school alike. He is responsible for the administration and organization of all activities pertaining to advisors and students engaged in Skills. He works to ensure that they have the maximum opportunity for success in district, state and national competitions. While most teachers enjoy the start of their well-deserved vacation in June, Mr. Cabucio is planning for students and advisors to travel to Kentucky to compete in the National SkillsUSA competition. Every year, he uses his own money to pay for students who do not have the necessary accoutrements to participate fully in activities at the National competition.

"His enormous investment in terms of human and financial capital affords our young men and women experiential learning opportunities that they would not otherwise have," said Aubin. "Mr. Cabucio is a great teacher and individual who I heartily endorse for this prestigious award."