LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jeanne Evans was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Evans is the Library Media Specialist at a 50-year-old Title I Elementary School, and a 2019 Finalist of the Clark County School District's Heart of Education Award. She believes that the library is more than a place to check out books—it's the heartbeat of her school's learning culture. 

Many of Ms. Evans' students face challenges outside the classroom that can affect focus and enthusiasm. That's why she built a positive and energetic culture in the library, where learning feels like play and every student feels like a winner. Her mission is to create an inclusive environment where all students feel welcomed, inspired, and empowered to grow.

To promote this vision, Ms. Evans has integrated interactive learning tools that keep students deeply engaged and excited to learn. Platforms like Quizizz, Blooket, and Kahoot allow her to review comprehension in fun, low-pressure ways that encourage participation and boost confidence. Ms. Evans even created a custom game—Biography Baseball—that turns research and note-taking into a classroom event full of laughter and learning.

Beyond literacy, she integrates computer science through CODE.ORG, helping students become not just consumers of technology, but creators. They learn problem-solving, logical thinking, and collaboration skills essential for the future.

To further support the students' critical thinking and perseverance, Ms. Evans also runs a before-school chess program, which has grown tremendously. In the past two years, her team placed 1st and 2nd at regional tournaments, putting their humble little school on the map! For many of her students, this is their first taste of competition, and they carry themselves with pride and dignity.

All of these initiatives are designed to nurture a positive, safe, and student-centered learning environment. Whether they're solving puzzles on a chessboard, coding a game, or cheering on their team in a match of Biography Baseball, Ms. Evans' students are excited to learn. That's the most powerful culture she can create.

In addition to her library role, Ms. Evans is also proud to be in charge of her school's annual Fall Festival raffle, which raises funds to support classroom and campus needs. Every year, she organizes a donation "wish list" to boost raffle sales and participation. She always includes her personal library donations in this drive to support her school's success.