LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Shawn Rejcek

Position: CTE/Agricultural Science Teacher
School: Midway High School
School District: Midway Independent School District
City, State: Waco, TX

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Shawn Rejcek was nominated by his colleague, Traci Marlin.

Midway High School school resource officers (SROs) used their resources to bring a big idea and plenty of supplies in an effort to protect students. Officers Kelly Painter and Jeff Foley asked the high school ag department for help in creating a simple tool that could save lives. Mr. Rejcek not only willingly accepted the work, but built it into a community-wide effort, complete with social media videos that went viral (6.7K comments and nearly 100K shares).

Mr. Rejcek's Blue Heart Project consists of decommissioned fire hoses cut into sleeves that fit over the scissor arm of classroom doors. The stiff rubber sleeve adds a layer of defense against possible intruders. In addition, the sleeves are basically free to make thanks to donations by local fire departments. All that's needed to make hundreds of sleeves is a few cans of blue spray paint to mark the sleeves for identification purposes, a table saw, and burnishing.

Mr. Rejcek hosted a community volunteer day to make more sleeves in September and delivered the first big delivery to help another district, Crawford ISD, on October 3. This project will culminate in the distribution of 1,400 sleeves to Midway ISD campuses in mid-October. As a result, Mr. Rejcek has not only impacted his own safety, but the safety of his students, as well as the safety of more than 8,000 students district-wide. His generosity to help other districts is of note.

"Mr. Rejcek is literally adding layers of protection for the lives of students. He is improving school safety and teaching everyone that they can play a part in improving the campus," said Marlin. "He has coordinated donation days, deliveries, schedules of volunteers, a community-wide project day, and led anyone helping through the construction of sleeves. He also served as spokesperson to the media. Teaching students real-world application of ag and mechanical skills, as well as problem solving, are excellent instructional skills."

"Mr. Rejcek is actually quite humble, amiable, and extremely positive, and he has improved the morale and atmosphere of his classroom and the district ag program," Marlin continued. "He is careful to adhere to all standards, respect compliance, demonstrate gentlemanly manners, and show his soft heart for others."

Below are links to news coverage featuring Mr. Rejcek's Blue Heart project.

http://www.kxxv.com/story/38956380/ctx-school-to-start-using-fire-hoses-to-keep-students-safe-during-emergencies

https://www.facebook.com/dadthatrockz/posts/10216675945998595?__tn__=C-R

https://www.facebook.com/dadthatrockz/videos/10216703931858224/?fref=mentions

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Donette Pustejovsky Posted over a year ago

Congratulations on this recognition Shawn. You have always shared your light and joy with everyone around you. This is a fantastic project. We can't do enough to keep our kids safe. I thoroughly appreciate all the effort you have put into it.

Larry Anderson Posted over a year ago

I haven't known Shawn that long, but the short time I have known him, I am truly amazed at what he has done, and continues to do. I don't know any other person that has his dedication to helping his students to achieve greatness and obtain their goals. I also don't know anyone else that spends the additional time outside of normal working hours to help his students, sometimes up to 3:00 AM. His expertise in the mechanical realm is so far above the average, as shown by the awards his students have achieved. I can't imagine the number of students he has influenced for the good over the years. HE CERTAINLY DESERVES THIS AWARD AND MANY MORE. Larry Anderson

Bill Swartz Posted over a year ago

Saw the two tractors that your students restored for the fair. I have a John Deere Model L in Waco that needs some TLC. Would be glad to donate and help with costs if interested. Can send photo. Bill

Allan Posted over a year ago

A selfless man who never seeks out the spotlight but would rather do the grunt work behind the scenes so others may benefit and shine.

Stacy Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Shawn!

Toni Posted over a year ago

This man truly cares about the wellness of each one of his students. I can't tell you how many times he's given his own lunch to a student who was without. He always goes above and beyond for "his kids". I think any one of his students could give you at least one example of something he's done that helped them outside of the classroom.

Jade Posted over a year ago

I have known Shawn for most of my life. Shawn is an amazing wonderful man. He is always so kind hearted and caring. Always being the best man that he can be! Shawn always had the brightest smile and the funniest jokes. Shawn and his wife Toni are second parents to me! Congratulations on the nomination shawn, I hope you win!!