Music that Describes Bentli
Bentli Lewis was nominated by her colleague, Julia Solustri.
"It is with immense pride and heartfelt admiration that I enthusiastically nominate Bentli Lewis for the National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year Award. Bentli is not just a school leader – she is a LifeChanger in every sense of the word. A visionary, a mentor, and a relentless advocate for students and educators alike, she has transformed Oakbrook Middle School and left a lasting legacy throughout Dorchester School District Two," said Solustri.
When Ms. Lewis arrived at Oakbrook Middle School just three years ago, the school was struggling academically and emotionally. Today, because of her leadership, OMS is thriving as the highest-performing middle school in the district. Students have grown from low achievement and low growth to consistently demonstrating high achievement and high growth in both math and language arts on the NWEA MAP assessment.
Beyond academics, she has elevated the entire school culture. She makes Oakbrook a place where students feel safe, families feel valued, and teachers feel supported. Her impact extends well beyond test scores. She has transformed how families experience education by building strong connections between home and school.
Parent satisfaction with communication and engagement has grown tremendously since her arrival. For example, home-school relations increased from 52.2% to 80.4% and satisfaction with the learning environment climbed from 59.4% to 78.3%. These numbers represent something much more profound: families now trust that Oakbrook is a school where their children are seen, heard, and loved.
Her ability to build and nurture relationships is extraordinary. She mentors teachers with care, ensuring they feel both supported and challenged. She inspires students to believe in themselves, no matter their background or circumstances. She leads with empathy, humility, and vision, always putting people first. Her leadership has not only increased teacher retention but has also cultivated a school community where every adult feels like part of something meaningful.
Her reach extends far beyond Oakbrook. She actively shares her expertise with aspiring leaders, fellow principals, and educators at the local, state, and national levels. Whether through conference presentations, mentoring graduate students, or organizing districtwide initiatives, she is deeply committed to lifting others and multiplying her impact. Her work is a reminder that changing lives doesn't stop at the classroom door. Her work ripples outward, touching entire communities.
"On a personal level, Bentli has profoundly changed my own life as an educator and leader. She has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, to grow in confidence, and to embrace opportunities I never thought possible. With her encouragement, I have presented at national conferences, embraced leadership opportunities, and become a stronger, more resilient person. She has been a mentor, confidant, and friend, teaching me that the accurate measure of leadership is not just achievement, but the ability to lift others higher," said Solustri.
"Bentli embodies the very essence of a LifeChanger. She has forever changed the trajectory of Oakbrook Middle School, transformed the lives of countless students and families, and empowered educators to reach their fullest potential. Her legacy will be felt for generations to come. I can think of no one more deserving of the LifeChanger of the Year Award than Bentli Lewis," said Solustri.
My old teacher I am so proud of you
#GooseCreekHighSchool
I’ve known Bentli Lewis for 19 years, and “life changer” isn’t just a phrase, it’s who she truly is. She pours into students, families, and everyone around her with intentional love and purpose. So grateful for the impact she’s made over the years. If anyone deserves this Educator Life Changer award, it’s you. Proud of you!
Bentli exemplifies integrity, grace, compassion, and humility. Her tireless dedication to our school is a joy to witness. She leads with kindness and patience, admirably advocating, educating, and uplifting our students. We are truly blessed to have her in our community, and I am grateful every day for her presence.
I was lucky enough to be a teacher under Bentli’s leadership for several years. She made our school a happier, brighter place. She championed both the teachers and students in whatever they attempted to do. She is an amazing person and leader! Any teacher or student working with her is lucky for the opportunity.
Bentli’s first year as principal at Oakbrook Middle also happened to be my first year as a teacher—and I couldn’t have asked for a better leader to start my career under. Moving to South Carolina by myself without knowing anyone was intimidating, but Bentli made me feel incredibly welcomed and supported from day one. Her warmth and positivity make a real difference. I genuinely look forward to coming to work each day, and she is a big reason why. Bentli is a ray of sunshine who brings out the best in her staff and students. In just three years, she has made a big difference at Oakbrook, and the data shows! Bentli is approachable, thoughtful, and always willing to listen or offer advice. She builds strong relationships and is always working to improve our school. I truly believe she is the ideal principal, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.
Bentli chose her career path while in high school. It has been incredible watching her live out her dream! Bring a principal/educator is not a job to her - it is her passion. She loves and she loves fiercely - not just her school but her staff, her students, her friends, her family and everyone she encounters. She truly has a servant’s heart and displays that in her every endeavor. She truly has a positive impact on others in every aspect of her life.
I’ve only had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Lewis for a year now. Her staff adore her and I see why! She’s made Oakbrook Middle so welcoming to all who step foot in it. She advocates for whoever needs it. She’s patient and understands the priority of mental health among not only students but also staff. She goes above and beyond to spread joy and shifts the culture of the school.
She’s an amazing leader at the school. She wants everyone to succeed and also brings joy to everyone! We are lucky to have her as our principal. She’s a great friend and mentor.
Bentli leads with her heart. She lifts everyone around her and somehow makes you believe you can do more and be more, just by being in her orbit. This nomination isn’t just well deserved, it’s a reflection of the impact she makes every single day. So proud to know her, work with her, and cheer her on.
I haven’t known Bentli very long but I already feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with her. Bentli’s passion for education and for the whole child is evident in how she shows up for kids and staff every day. Her spirit is infectious and is felt throughout the school. It is evident that she has created an environment where educators feel motivated and cared for, which in turn helps students thrive! She is a LifeChanger helping OMS and all of its Eagles soar “Above the rest”!
I have had the pleasure of working for several principals at Oakbrook Middle School, and Bentli Lewis is a level of excellence unlike any other leader we have had. Not only does her positive, upbeat personality connect to our middle school students but is infectious for staff members as well. She is calm, clear, and unafraid of addressing all positive and negative moments that arise in a middle school. She very loudly and proudly supports the endeavors of both her staff and her students, and is open to all suggestions and ideas that come her way. She leads by example and literally has an open door policy (seriously....we just walk into her office all the time and it makes getting to work with her and for her easy to do). I am honored to be one of her employees and know that she is deserving of this LifeChanger of the Year award.
Bentli true embodies this recognition. Since the first day I met her she has always been so intentional about the importance of having a positive impact on everyone she comes in contact with. Her energy and spirit is contagious, and her school is true blessed to have her!
Bentli is an extraordinary human being. She embodies integrity, grace, compassion, and humility. Our students, staff, and community are truly blessed to have her advocating, educating, and uplifting the next generation of leaders. Her dedication to our school is unmatched and a joy to witness. She leads with kindness, patience, and understanding, and her walk is nothing short of admirable. I am grateful every single day to know her.
Bentli Lewis is the true embodiment of a Life Changer. As principal of Oakbrook Middle School, her unwavering passion for fostering a warm, inclusive school culture has transformed the lives of countless students and staff. Her leadership promotes not only academic excellence but also kindness, resilience, and a strong work ethic. Mrs. Lewis doesn’t just lead a school—she builds a community where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to succeed
Bentli Lewis is the heart of Oakbrook Middle. She is a motivated and inspiring leader who has not only uplifted her staff and students but has also motivated individuals who never considered teaching to pursue it as a calling. Her vision and determination have made Oakbrook Middle a premier school in DD2. She is truly a LifeChanger who leads with passion, excellence, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.
Our family joined the Oakbrook Community not by choice, but placement.
Little did we know the blessing that was placed upon us.
From Day 1, Ms. Lewis was as welcoming as possible. Early on a weekend morning, she met us and introduced our family and son with Special Needs to OMS.
We now have 2 kids at OMS. Our newest by choice.
Ms. Lewis truly empowers her teachers and staff to make the best decisions for their students and classrooms. The tone at the top is obvious here. It reverberates across the district.
We can not speak any higher than we already do about OMS…and that is in large part to the leadership that Ms. Lewis provides.
We are thankful to be an OMS family covering both SPED and GenEd.
Bentli is an amazing educator and a phenomenal leader. She is so deserving of this award.
Bentli is a life changer. Everything she does is to make others better and strengthen those around her. She is like this not only in education, but in every facet of her life. From serving, to coaching to leading, she is a true servant leader with gifts that change the lives of everyone she comes into contact with. She is an incredible person, loyal friend and passionate visionary. She not only changes lives, she transforms the culture of education and is the most deserving of this award. If you want to see excellence in action, she is the one to follow.
I started working with Bentli years ago as a teacher when she was my assistant principal. Over the years, she has become my Admin teammate and friend. Although we are no longer at the same school, it has been such a joy to cheer Bentli on and celebrate everything she has going on at her school, just as she cheers me on at mine!
She’s not only an incredible principal but also an inspiring mentor, friend, wife, and mother. She consistently strives to make everyone around her a better teacher and person. The energy and vibrancy of our school are a direct reflection of her leadership. Her commitment and passion make her the best and most fearless leader at Oakbrook Middle School!
Bentli Lewis is my great niece. I officiated her wedding and have watched her excel over the years in her academic journey. She sets high goals and has proven to herself and to her peers that she is gifted with the unique ability to be a compassionate and caring leader. Every person she engages in both her personal and academic circles feel seen and heard in her presence. Bentli is so deserving of any honor she might receive.
Bentli is definitely a life changer! She uplifts those around her at all costs and never hesitates to put others first. I have known her for over 2 decades and she has constantly been a shining light of positivity. No one more deserving of the to be the LifeChanger of the year.
Bentli is the perfect example of someone that lives out her passion! Her energy is contagious. Changing children’s lives are in her DNA!
I am the owner of a mural painting company based in the Charleston, SC area- and I have worked with Bentli on multiple occasions during her role as Principal at Oakbrook Middle. I’ve worked directly with her to install murals throughout the school- designs of her own imagining that have featured bright colors and positive messages. Bentli has made it her purpose and her passion, to instill joy and a sense of belonging in both her faculty and students through these murals; by adding some life and color to the walls of her school. I think Bentli really understands that learning and education cannot happen without creating this type of positive environment. It has been an absolute honor to work with her and to continue to do so; she is an inspiration and I can think of no one who more deserves this award than she does.
Bentli Lewis is an amazing leader and truly has the best interest of the students and staffulty at heart. She is competitive, always desiring to see our students model our motto: "Above the rest!" She is also determined and has created a completely new climate and culture throughout our campus.
Bentli is an absolutely incredible person and leader! Although I do not work at her school, I see all the hard work and effort she puts in every day. She goes above and beyond as a principal and it is clear she is so respected and loved. The little details to create a strong faculty and school community do not go unnoticed from a fellow teacher. Bentli has been encouraging and positive to me in times of need, and has provided endless support. She is a kind and giving friend, and is so deserving of this award.
It is with great pride that I leave a comment to also nominate Principal Bentli Lewis for the LifeChanger Award. Principal Lewis exemplifies what it means to be a true leader in education. She is not only an administrator but also a mentor, a supporter, and a guiding light for her entire school community.
Principal Lewis is an active listener, ensuring that every teacher, student, and parent feels heard and valued. Her ability to foster respect and open communication has built a culture of trust where collaboration thrives. She consistently goes above and beyond to support her staff, empowering teachers to do their best work and encouraging students to believe in themselves.
What makes Principal Lewis a true LifeChanger is her unwavering commitment to people. She doesn’t just manage a school—she inspires a family. Through her compassion, dedication, and vision, she is changing lives daily and leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Principal Bentli Lewis is more than deserving of the LifeChanger Award, as her leadership is not only transformative but also deeply human—rooted in kindness, respect, and a genuine love for education.
Nobody is more deserving of this!! Bentli truly advocates for her staff and provides the best work environment. Starting our 4th year working together, Bentli has gone to bat for my job (due to funding) multiple times and i could truly not imagine being anywhere else. She is such a ray of sunshine and is always willing to talk with her staff whether it may be some concerns they have or to just chat and catch up. I am truly blessed to call my boss my friend and have such a supportive, enthusiastic boss to work with.
Bentli Lewis is an amazing person and principal. She is one of my good friends and has such a positive attitude about life, work and friendships. Her positive attitude and the way she makes work look so fun made me want to go and work for my friend. I love working with Bentli and love that she is my son’s principal. She is AMAZING.
So excited that Bentli's nomination was accepted. She is truly a one of a kind educator and leader. Our school, students, and community are beyond lucky to have her. She has changed our school for the better in just three years. We are all proud to work and serve alongside her.
Love her dearly!! She’s amazing! I got to watch her transform this school!
I’m in no way affiliated with her school but I’m a neighbor and seen the way she reaches out in our neighborhood for assistance with her students. She has the biggest heart if gold!
She is a pretty amazing person. I went to high school with her. She is very outgoing, charismatic, and proven to get the job done with empathy and support on her mind. I hope she gets the recognition as she never asks for it and still goes above and beyond.Good luck!
