LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Regina Sailer was nominated anonymously.

Three words to describe Mrs. Sailer? Engage, encourage, and expect. Mrs. Sailer dedicated her life to serving others often overlooked by society, spending decades at the Denton State Supported Living Center in various roles. Each role was designed to help residents who needed it most. Learn more about the center here.

Upon retirement, she began working with special needs students at Billy Ryan High School, the home of Champions, and has served there for many years. She helped students in Academic Vocational Life Skills (AVLS) by teaching academics and basic life and job skills. She helped them determine whether to pursue educational or career options after high school. Students enhanced their strengths by learning to search for jobs, apply for them, and practice interviews.

She is currently active in the Content Mastery Class (CMC), which provides a quiet, distraction-free environment for completing assignments. Occasionally, teachers bring students into this classroom and work with them; other times, students come on their own. Mrs. Sailer can help students when they need it. Each morning, when students arrive, whether by car or on the bus, she greets each one by name with "Good Morning" as soon as they step onto the sidewalk. They can hear her from across the yard and know she is welcoming them to Ryan High School. 

Throughout the day, she encourages them to do quality work, complete assignments, treat peers and teachers with respect, and continue the legacy of being a Champion. She expects all students to give their best and congratulates them when they complete their assignments. At the end of the day, she will be found either escorting her students to the appropriate bus lane or parental pick-up area and ensuring they are safely transported home.

For staff, Mrs. Sailer has decorated treat bags for major events, including holidays and significant events throughout the year, as well as the first and last days of school. In previous years, she organized birthday parties for staff in her department every month, purchasing everything herself. Sometimes they were in the morning, and other times they were after school. Regardless, she enjoys recognizing coworkers.

"Outside school, Mrs. Sailer's focus is on family and the Church. Casual conversations with her let us know she values relationships with both. Countless residents at the Denton State Supported Living Center, as well as Ryan Raider Staff and Students, have been engaged and encouraged to strive for high expectations by her. Regina Sailer has been a LifeChanger for decades," said the nominator.