LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Susan Lamb Walker was nominated by her colleague, Christy Sharp.

Ms. Walker not only provides counseling services for students and families, but she organizes events that make the school a place where every student has a sense of belonging.  Her commitment and dedication to her students and school is evident to everyone.

Ms. Walker organizes many special events for students like "Start with Hello" lunch.  Students were challenged to get to know one another by asking each other questions using pre-made cards as conversation starters.  Kids are not only encouraged to be kind, but they are taught the skills often missing in today's technology-laden world.  Learning how to establish real friendships and develop positive social skills will serve students for their whole lives.  

Ms. Walker can also be found organizing leadership teams.  All new students at SRA are greeted by trained student workers.  These students give tours to new students and provide a friendly face in a situation that could be anxiety-producing.  Moving to a new school is tough, but at SRA, it's a little easier because of Ms. Walker's thoughtful dedication to students.  She has also recently started a peer mediator program in which students help each other resolve conflicts.

Of course, Ms. Walker creates schedules for every child, manages state testing, and leads guidance and career readiness lessons.  She spearheads a large career fair at Singing River so students can meet professionals from a variety of career options.  Students are consistently challenged to think about the future and options available for them.

Sometimes, children and families experience trauma and challenges that are heart-wrenching.  Ms. Walker is always there.  Students have lost parents, experienced abuse or have been diagnosed with mental and emotional illnesses that make learning and attending school very difficult.  In these situations, Ms. Walker's heart is apparent.  Children are healed in her presence because her loving nature shines through.

"While every situation cannot be magically cured with a trip to the counselor's office, Ms. Walker does her best to ease the burdens of children and families under stress.  Her deep compassion is what makes her a LifeChanger in our school and community," said Sharp.