LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Stephanie Hall

Position: Girls on Run Coach/Coordinator, 2nd Grade Teacher
School: Armstrong Elementary School
School District: Cumberland County Schools
City, State: Eastover, NC

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Stephanie Hall was nominated by her friend, Rhonda Hill.

Mrs. Hall has the biggest heart, full of love and energy, for her Girls on the Run and second graders. She has worked for the past five years to raise money so she can give her girls lots of love and an excellent run for free. 

Mrs. Hall is a 2nd-grade teacher and head coach of Girls on the Run (GOTR) at Armstrong Elementary School in Eastover, NC. She has been teaching for 18 years and has led the Girls on the Run chapter at her school for 5 years. Girls on the Run is a nonprofit after-school program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade that combines physical activity with life skills lessons to build confidence, health, and well-being. GOTR is a worldwide program that has changed thousands of girls' lives! Mrs. Hall had to fight to bring this program to her district. She was interviewed by the county’s athletic director, who agreed this program would benefit the needs of so many girls in the county. The program was approved for her to start in February 2021.

She has been involved in athletics since elementary school. She was a huge basketball player until she fell in love with running in 12th grade. She ran her first marathon at 18 while competing in cross country and track & field at East Stroudsburg University in PA. She ran for a boy who had cancer at the age of 8, and this immediately began her passion and inspiration for marathon running.

Right after college, she was an assistant track & field coach and helped coach summer basketball programs. As a kid, she always wanted to be a teacher, runner, and coach to support these outstanding students. Girls on the Run comes with a registration fee per girl. Each registration fee is $65. The challenge is that Mrs. Hall works at a Title 1 school serving low-income students. She has made it her annual goal to raise enough money so that any girl can register without worrying about the cost. To date, she has raised 5 years' worth of registration fees for 161 girls. She fundraises by running half and full marathons. This year, she raised enough to fund 41 girls' memberships in the club and is running the Charlotte Novant Marathon on November 15, 2025, in honor of fundraising every penny!

Every Tuesday and Thursday for 10 weeks, after school, girls start in the classroom with the National Girls On The Run Curriculum Lessons and then go outside to apply the skills learned as they continue with the physical training and endurance run. Mrs. Hall's favorite part of the program is race day. She reminds the girls that she does not care what place they come in; to her, they are all number one for completing this fantastic program. It brings tears to her eyes to see every girl cross the finish line. She has seen all types of girls cross the line, from those who have running experience to those who have never jogged a step in their lives.

One moment she will not forget is when a parent told her how her daughter gained more confidence and became healthier through this program. Families have told her how excited they are to go running as a family and be part of what their daughters are doing! Staff members at the school have said to her that attendance, grades, and conduct have improved, and that it is an excellent place for these girls to grow. She loves when the race starts; it's the moment when she gets to settle back, cheer, and watch the girls complete what they have worked so hard for! Many girls come back to run every year, and some even run as a buddy! Mrs. Hall loves seeing the girls' faces and how this has impacted them. Last year, the school was blessed to have Methodist University help set up the course and cheer the girls on. The community grows every year with the annual event.

"Stephanie is a LifeChanger for the girls," said Hill.

Comments (74)

Jessica Martinez Posted 7 months ago

Mrs. Hall is a cornerstone of our team and a true example of what it means to lead with kindness. She consistently puts the needs of others before her own, offering her support and a bright smile to anyone who needs it. It was an honor to serve as a coach for GOTR by her side; her influence is the reason the program is such a wonderful success for the girls. She is far too humble to take the credit herself, but our community is undoubtedly better because of her presence

Glenn Van Metre Posted 7 months ago

Her father is a colleague of mine at the local middle school. She takes after her Dad!

Nicole Hauck Posted 7 months ago

Stephie cares so much about her students and pours her heart into all she does! She is so deserving of this honor!

Kara Adams Posted 7 months ago

Stephanie has changed my daughter’s life! Through Girls On the Run my daughter grew confidence, learned how to make goals and reach them, and how to make healthy choices. She forever positively impacted my daughter! She is unforgettable and she such a great role model for the girls at Armstrong.

Emmy Posted 7 months ago

Mrs. Hall is truly a life changer and such a great person!

Lori Watkins Posted 7 months ago

Stephanie is an amazing person! She cares for all the students at our school! She gives more than 100% everyday! Thank you so much for all that you do!

Charla Weir Posted 7 months ago

Stephanie is truly an inspiration to all of the students and staff members! I enjoy working with her and she is very deserving of this nomination!

Maxie Phillips Posted 7 months ago

Mrs. Hall is amazing! She is such a wonderful co-worker and friend. She always goes above and beyond for everyone around her and does it with a smile on her face. I had the privilege to coach GOTR with her and it is always such a wonderful turnout for the girls, all because of Mrs. Hall!

Courtney Autry Posted 7 months ago

Mrs. Hall is a dedicated, compassionate, and motivating leader in our school community. She is an inspiration to all. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom as she leads Girls on the Run each year, providing participants with lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and healthy life choices. She is most deserving to be recognized for her commitment to our students.

Tracy L Carter Posted 7 months ago

Stephanie Hall is an incredible teacher and coach who truly changes lives. Her dedication to her students goes far beyond the classroom, as she works tirelessly to ensure every girl has the opportunity to participate in Girls on the Run, regardless of financial need. She also makes it a priority to attend her students’ games and activities outside of school hours, showing them that their teacher believes in and supports them in all areas of life. Through her passion for teaching, running, and mentoring, she builds confidence, character, and healthy habits in her students. Stephanie’s selflessness, leadership, and genuine love for her girls make her an inspiration to students, families, and the entire school community.

Anna Daughtry Posted 7 months ago

We are so proud of Stephanie and so grateful for her dedication and generosity. She continues to make a huge impact on our girls at Armstrong Elementary School as well as the Eastover community. She's a great friend, colleague, and teacher. The compassion and commitment she conveys is so heartwarming and inspiring. She deserves this LifeChanger Award more than anyone I know.

Pat Lyons Posted 7 months ago

Thank you, Stephanie, for your leadership and for encouraging these young girls to be active, to believe in themselves, to set goals & achieve them. And thank you for being such a positive role model!

The Walker Family Posted 7 months ago

I had the privilege of having Mrs. Hall teach two of my kids, and the impact she made on both of them is something our family still carries with us. What stands out the most is her unmatched commitment to inclusion. Mrs. Hall consistently created a classroom where every child felt valued. She would bring exceptional children into her class and have her students pair up to read with them, learn with them, and truly connect with them. At every party, celebration, or special event, she made sure those students were included—never as an afterthought, but as an important part of the class community. Because of her, my children didn’t just learn academics—they learned empathy, acceptance, and the beauty of forming friendships with kids who may learn or communicate differently than they do. To this day, my child still thinks and talks about “his buddy,” who is no longer at the school. That friendship, that sense of connection, was made possible because of Mrs. Hall’s heart. Even though my kids aren’t in her class anymore they still go by and see Mrs. Hall! Teachers like her leave a mark that lasts long after the school year ends. We are so grateful for the love and inclusiveness she brought into our kids’ lives.

Jonathan Walker Posted 7 months ago

My family has been blessed by an exceptional teacher whom two of my three kids have had the pleasure of learning from in elementary school. She pours her heart into her students, not just in the classroom but far beyond it. One of the things my daughter loves most is the Girls on the Run program she leads, where she coaches a group of girls each fall and proudly cheers them on as they run a 5K every December. Her dedication doesn’t stop at school—she shows up for her students’ lives, attending their rec ball games and taking genuine interest in the activities they’re passionate about. Mrs. Hall’s impact on our kids is something we’ll always be grateful for.

Michelle Posted 7 months ago

Stephanie, “Mrs. Hall” is someone who not only inspired our kids to run, but encouraged them through all elementary school (though she taught second grade) with genuine love, honesty, and strength. You’ve become more than a neighbor; you’re a true family friend. Your dedication is seen in everything you do—from running marathons to running the quiet country roads with intention (often with a furry friend by your side). You lead with compassion, set clear boundaries, and focus wholeheartedly on both your family and your school family. You consistently remind our community that hard work matters, and you show up every day willing to put that work in—walking, running, teaching, and connecting with purpose. Thank you for being such a powerful example of what it means to love people well and to make a real impact. We are so grateful for you.

Davis Family Posted 7 months ago

Mrs. Hall is so deserving of this award. Not only is she an amazing teacher, but outside of school she continues to go above and beyond to help her students and families. Our kids were lucky enough to have her as their teacher when we first moved here. She instantly made them feel so welcomed. We will be forever thankful for Mrs. Hall! Our family loves her!

Kathy Tetlow Posted 7 months ago

This woman is an inspiration to all who know her. She truly loves her students and it shows! She has become more than a teacher but has become family. She always goes the extra mile ( no pun intended) . She is beautiful inside and out. She always has a kind word for everyone. She has the respect of all of us who work with her.

Charlotte Posted 7 months ago

Best of All. She deserves it. She's indeed a real life changer. Good motivator, good teacher, good coach.

Jackie Luther Posted 7 months ago

Stephanie Hall is a fabulous person. She is so encouraging towards her students and they all love her. She is always so positive with a constant smile on het face. Her Girls on the Run program is fantastic. The girls learn so much about what they can do and self positivity.

Sarah Jacqueline Loughman Posted 7 months ago

Mrs. Stephanie Hall is the epitome of the kind of teacher every parent would want for their child. More than that, Stephanie Hall loves all students whether you are in her class or not! She has a true heart of gold with so much compassion for others and makes such a positive impact in the lives of so many of our youth. Her love, commitment, and dedication extends far outside of the four walls of her classroom and bleeds on to everyone in the school. She is an absolute LifeChanger in more ways than one.

Deborah Cousino Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie is such an amazing teacher, coworker, and all around person! She is always so positive and has a contagious smile. She was so welcoming and kind when I started working with her.

Valerie Matthews Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie Hall is a wonderful person, teacher and coach. She is an inspiration to all who know her. Stephanie is full of energy and is always very positive. As a teacher she treats all children with respect and encourages them to reach their fullest potential. She also builds up fellow coworkers and encourages a positive climate throughout the school. Stephanie puts her heart in leading Girls on the Run. She is definitely deserving of this nomination and she has already changed so many lives in the classroom, school and as a Girls on the Run coach.

Sam Posted 8 months ago

My daughter thinks your the best ever

Shardae Posted 8 months ago

We love you so much! You’re such a beautiful person inside and out. You bless everyone with your presence, and we’re so grateful to know such a wonderful teacher. Your kindness, patience, and genuine care for your students shine through in everything you do. You make learning feel exciting, safe, and meaningful, and you go above and beyond every single day. Thank you for inspiring us, supporting us, and making such a positive impact on our lives. You truly deserve all the recognition and appreciation!

Monique Posted 8 months ago

Thank you for being a loving, caring, and compassionate teacher to my girls. Starting girls on the run was very inspiring to my girls and I want to thank you for encouraging them. Congratulations on being nominated for the Life Changer of the Year. You have truly been a blessing to us all.

Daphne Humphries Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie is a wonderful teacher. You can tell she really loves children and wants them to do well. The Girls on the Run Program has really helped the girls mentally, socially and physically.

Bianca Carter Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie Hall is a true Life Changer, consistently demonstrating her unwavering dedication to students and their success. She creates a positive, emotionally supportive learning environment where every child feels valued, capable, and empowered to learn. As a school cheerleader, she uplifts morale by celebrating premier professionals and highlighting the many strengths within our school community. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom—most notably through her work as a coach for Girls on the Run, where she has built a thriving, ever-growing program that inspires confidence, perseverance, and teamwork in young girls. Stephanie’s passion, commitment, and ability to bring out the best in others make her profoundly deserving of the Life Changer Award.

Joy Reilly Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie is an very special person. She is always full of energy and positivity. She is always encouraging students to do their best. She is a great person to be around. I am blessed she is a coworker and friend.

Milton Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie Hall is truly amazing. She is an incredible teacher who goes above and beyond for every student. Her kindness, warmth, and positive energy can brighten anyone’s day. I am so proud of her and grateful to know her.

Olivia Butler Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie Hall is an amazing advocate for our students. Not only does she support them through GOTR (Girls on the run) but through offering tutoring for struggling students before school even begins. She has the biggest heart and wants the best for every child. Please award her this as she is the most deserving.

Okivia Culbreth Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie Hall is an amazing advocate for her students. She is so dedicated to helping those that need a little extra confidence in life. She offers extra tutoring in her spare time before school and after for kids. She is an amazing person. Please award her this. She is so deserving.

Kelli Moore Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie Hall is a life changer inside and outside of her classroom. Not only does she host GOTR, but she also helped a homeless family in her classroom secure housing, and helped provide house hold items through donations. In addition, she recognizes students that are struggling emotionally with homelife challenges. She helps them assess, monitor and control their emotions.

Sarah Dawson Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie is a wonderful teacher and cares so much about each of her children. She does so much for our school including Girls on the Run and as well as activities for teachers to make our school a fun place to work!

Rosalina Pillot Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie is an amazing individual; lighthearted and encouraging. I really admire how she empowers female students through the girls on the run program.

Rhonda Hill Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie Hall is our LIFECHANGER! We are so Blessed and Thankful for everything she does for our kids and community! I love watching her TEACH 2nd graders and COACH Girls On The Run. She is such a smart positive loving teacher and coach. Stephanie gives her whole heart to our school and kids. Please help her to continue being the LIFECHANGER of so many children and families in our community. Keep it Going! We Love you Stephanie Hall!

Amber Hall Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall puts her whole heart into everything she does. Her students, colleagues and community members can feel her positivity and joy. Girls on the Run has been a huge success only because of all Mrs Hall has done to make it the best it can be! We love Mrs Hall and she is the true definition of a Life Changer!

Catherine Walcott Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie Hall is a remarkable person to work with. She is always willing to go above and beyond helping out with anything the school needs done. All of the girls at Armstrong love the GOTR program and look forward to it every year. Even the boys want to know why there isn't a Boys on the Run! If anything needs to be done or you need help Stephanie Hall is always there no questions asked.

Andrea Whitted-Ellison Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is very deserving of this award! Stephanie Hall is one of the kindest souls I have ever met. She truly cares for her students and continues to show up for them well past their time in her class. We are forever thankful for everything she poured into our son in 2nd grade. Also I'd like to also thank her for the confidence she instilled into my daughter in her very first year of GOTR at Armstrong.

Catherine Walcott Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie Hall goes above and beyond helping the school and helping out with Girls on the Run. She is always there willing to help out and be there for the school. She gives her job her all.

Bilkis Yasana Posted 8 months ago

Huge congratulations on your LifeChanger of the Year 2025 nomination! Your compassion, hard work, and the way you pour into others every day truly set you apart. The girl absolutely loves you in GOTR, and it’s easy to see why you’re an amazing person with such a genuine heart. So proud of you and all the lives you continue to touch!

Marie McCarroll Posted 8 months ago

Mrs Hall is a great role model for our girls at Armstrong. She makes an impact by always encouraging the girls to always do their best. My granddaughter has enjoyed GOTR so much. She has enjoyed the running but she has also enjoyed the team building and learning more about herself. Mrs Hall is definitely a “Life Changer” and well deserving of this award. We appreciate the energy and drive she demonstrates to all who know her.

Rianne Banks Posted 8 months ago

I have the privilege of calling Stephanie my friend and coworker. She is a phenomenal person and goes above and beyond to make sure our GOTR is successful every year. The girls love this program and are excited each year!

Rocio Ford Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is an amazing role model not only to my two daughters but even for me as an adult mamma! She treats all the children & parents with kindness… no matter our backgrounds. We were blessed to have her as one of my daughter’s 2nd grade teacher and now both my girls have her as a GOTR coach. She is truly an amazing human. She dedicates her time to inspire our children to lead with kindness and to ensure they do the best for themselves. Thank you for being a great role model. It’s because of Ms Hall that even I was able to get back to running with my girls and make it fun. Thank you for sparking this hobby to my girls!

Brianna Ellis Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is truly inspiring! Not only did she change my twin daughter’s lives, she has changed our entire family. As a teacher, and a coach. We’ve come together in education and sport to support one another. If anyone deserves this award Mrs. Hall is your gal! Thank you for everything Mrs. Hall!

Megan Tappin Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall truly deserves the Life Changer Award. She goes above and beyond for her students every single day. Through Girls on the Run, she not only helps her girls grow as athletes, but also as confident, kind, and resilient young women. She puts so much heart, effort, and care into everything she does, and it’s clear how deeply she values her students as people, not just as learners. In the classroom, Mrs. Hall keeps her students engaged and motivated, always focusing on their progress and personal growth. What’s even more special is how she shows up for her students outside of school, taking her own time to attend their events and cheer them on. She embodies everything I want my daughter to look up to, she’s strong, smart, independent, and compassionate. Mrs. Hall is not just an amazing teacher; she’s a true role model who changes lives through her dedication and example every day.

Melissa Jernigan Posted 8 months ago

My daughter started the program last year and is involved again this year. Every since kindergarten she could not wait until her 3rd grade year to start GOTR. Mrs. Hall puts her all in this program and is such a wonderful support to all the girls. We are so blessed to have such a wonderful coach and teacher for our girls here at Armstrong. She is so deserving of this wonderful award.

Anissa Adrar Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is an exceptional teacher who has dedicated her life to educating and inspiring children. Her compassion and kindness shine through in everything she does, and she truly has a heart for others. She is a role model not only in the classroom but also in the community, especially through her work with Girls on the Run. Mrs. Hall is the kind of teacher who shows up every day with purpose, passion, and unwavering commitment. She is more than just an educator, she is a mentor, a cheerleader, and a guiding light for her students. We are so lucky to have her.

Beatrice Balsano Posted 8 months ago

My daughter had the privilege of having Mrs Hall as her 2nd grade teacher and as her mentor for GOTR 2025 and I have to say will all my heart that Mrs Hall has been a blessing for both my child and all the students. She is passionate about her job and goes over and beyond for the kids of her school! She definitely deserves to be recognized for her hardwork and pure heart! We love you Mrs Hall! Mia Nelson and family

Joe Kutsop Posted 8 months ago

Stephie has always been passionate about her job and being involved with the community! I'm proud of you, Stephie!

Katy Harrelson Posted 8 months ago

I have the privilege of calling Stephanie my coworker. She brings so much love and light to our school community. Not only is she an incredibly dedicated 2nd grade teacher, but she is also the fearless leader of our school’s Girls on the Run program. Stephanie leaves a lasting impression on all who are fortunate enough to enter her life. Her positivity and encouragement is infectious. She is a treasure and very deserving of this recognition!

Lakesha Hicks Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is truly an amazing person. I don’t know her as a teacher, but through Girls on the Run she has been absolutely wonderful. This is my daughter’s second year in the program, and honestly, if it weren’t for Mrs. Hall, it wouldn’t have been possible. She goes above and beyond to make sure the girls have everything they need and cheers them on week after week. Even though my daughter isn’t one of her students and is in a higher grade than Mrs. Hall teaches, she still opens her classroom to help with tutoring and assignments. That level of care and dedication is rare. Mrs. Hall is one of those teachers and coaches that students will remember for life, the one who truly cared, encouraged them, and put in extra effort just to see them succeed. We are so thankful for her. Because of Mrs. Hall, my child has had such a positive experience with Girls on the Run and has had the opportunity to meet many friend and find her passion in running.

Dena Seals Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is an amazing person and teacher! Kids love and teachers all love her. She is full on of love, positivity and energy. No matter how busy she is, Mrs. Hall will still volunteer to help. She is such a great role model and example to everyone she meets.

Angela Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall has been such a great blessing to our family. She has taught both of our daughters at Armstrong and has been one of the best teachers they have had. She is always so sweet and caring to everyone! You can tell that she really cares about her students. Both of my girls were fortunate to participate in the Girls on the run program that Mrs Hall provides. They both have grown more confident and have taken more interest in their health and wellness because of this program. Mrs Hall is such a great teacher she puts so much love into her students and everything she does! She definitely deserves this life changer of the year award for all that she does!!

Lee Spooner Posted 8 months ago

Definitely, well deserved. Stephanie does an outstanding job with the Girls on the Run program at Armstrong Elementary. We are lucky to have her as part of our YMCA - Girls on the Run Family here in North Carolina. I would agree with this nomination and if there is anything I can do to ensure she gets it please reach out to me. Lee Spooner, Senior Director of Athletics for the YMCA of Southeastern NC

Sears Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is so amazing! She has been such an important part of our 3 kids learning. Our daughter was blessed to be part of Girls On The Run for 3 years and absolutely loved it. Our daughter came out of GOTR with more confidence and friendships. Our daughter still looks forward to being a buddy runner now that she has moved on to middle school. We can’t thank Mrs. Hall enough for all the love, support, and care she has poured into our 3 kids. She holds a very special place in our hearts forever.

The Young Family Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is not just an amazing teacher. She is a person who LOVES each and every one of her students as family. She is always there to provide all kinds of support, love and comfort. She goes beyond the extra mile for students and parents. She truly is a Lifechanger!!! We love you Mrs. Hall

Leah Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie is such a gift to anyone lucky enough to meet her. She is kind, generous and thoughtful. I’m so thankful my kids have her in their lives and specifically that my daughter has her as a role model.

Maima Castle Posted 8 months ago

My family have been blessed to have Mrs. Hall as a teacher for two of our boys. She is an amazing teacher. The boys love her and so do we.

Caitlynn Trevino Posted 8 months ago

Thank you so much for all you do!! The hard work, dedication, support, and love you pour into your students and the GOTR program does not go unnoticed! Isabella had the best time participating in the program, and running on race day, as did I (as her running buddy!) Not only did Isabella’s confidence grow, but her love for running was sparked by you! Isabella now runs track & cross country with an AAU team, practices for an hour and 45mins 3x a week, runs in meets, and likes to run or walk trails with the family on her off days. Little miss Scarlett can’t wait for her third grade year to join in on all of the fun! We love you, Mrs. Hall!!!

Amy Jones Posted 8 months ago

I couldn’t ask for a better teammate and friend. This is so well deserved!

Tiffany Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall has been a true blessing to our family! She not only supports her students in the classroom but as well in their extracurricular activities! She is always welcoming and encouraging to students and their families!

Megan Hall Posted 8 months ago

It is a privilege to say I am a parent of a former student of Mrs. Hall. I can’t recall ever meeting someone who has made such a profound impact on my entire family. Stephanie oozes positive energy, and an infectious zest for life. I had the honor of volunteering in her class each week for the year my son was her student. I believe I learned as much in her classroom as he did. I have never met a person so passionate about other people. She pours that passion in to every student in a unique way that best suited them. It was amazing to witness. Her classroom was a place of love and excitement for learning. I looked forward to my weekly visits with her. My son blossomed academically and personally under the care of Mrs. Hall. When starting out the school year, my son was a new student at Armstrong Elementary. He has always been incredibly shy and unsure of himself. Classrooms were often overstimulating and overwhelming for him. I was anxious beginning the year as a parent, praying my son would be ok in this new environment. (Spoiler: he was more than ok.) He spent the school year growing in leaps and bounds academically and emotionally. The only explanation for this is having a teacher who inspired greatness from him-it’s that wonderful Mrs. Hall. He also began to take on leadership roles in the classroom, something that left me stunned and in complete disbelief. There was only one explanation-it’s that wonderful Mrs. Hall. I not only witnessed this growth in my son but in almost every student in her classroom, with one student, in particular, growing in immeasurable ways. I can’t explain how remarkable it was to watch that wonderful Mrs. Hall. The year my son had Mrs. Hall, he had a classmate who was almost completely nonverbal, with English not spoken at home and who faced clear developmental and learning challenges. Mrs. Hall took a special, compassionate approach with this child. She built a strong relationship with his parents and encouraged them to get him involved in community sports. My husband helped make that possible by welcoming him onto his team with the other classmates. Unsure how to best coach this student, my husband was deeply grateful when Mrs. Hall began coming to every practice, working with him one-on-one just as she did in the classroom. My husband and the other players on our basketball team were now under the teachings of Mrs. Hall. They, like all the others, were better for it. I recently encountered her in an unusually frenzied state, on a Friday, very very unusual. When I pressed her on what could have her so uncharacteristically flustered. She told me how excited she was for an upcoming trip, to a former students football game, to walk him out on the field for senior night. The game was 2 hours away. She was so nervous that she may be late, or disappoint. It amazes me that she remains so humble in the midst of all her greatness. She, also, was stressing because of her plans to wake up the morning after to continue her training for a marathon. You can’t have many conversations with Stephanie without running being brought in to the conversation. She’s almost as passionate about running as she is her students. When she first mentioned her afterschool club, GOTR, to me, I could see her excitement and passion amplified to heights I hadn’t yet seen from her. It makes sense, students and running, her two passions. She let me know in the first conversation that I’d make a GREAT buddy runner for her GOTR Jingle 5K. *insert eye roll* It is a commonly known fact about me is that if I’m running, there is trouble afoot and definite cause for concern. However, remarkably, I found myself immediately agreeing that I would be a great candidate for that and believing it. Stephanie Hall had already started inspiring me and her effect on me was becoming apparent. Over the year, we developed a friendship. As extraordinary as she was professionally, she was every bit as wonderful personally. She is a friend who inspires me to be a better person. I have found that she does that among all of her friends in an amazingly gracious way. She is also an amazing mother, who gives so much love to her family, they ooze the same positive energy that she does. This year, as soon as she asked for Buddy Runners, I never hesitated to volunteer. I am currently running by choice for the first time ever in preparation of the GOTR Jingle 5K. Stephanie Hall is elite. She is incomparable to the average person and the epitome of a Life Changer. I know the lives of my family have forever been changed thanks to that incredibly wonderful Stephanie Hall.

Aundrea Posted 8 months ago

Congratulations on your nomination! Your dedication, passion, and care for your students truly make a difference. You inspire learning every day!”

Shirley Braxton-McLaurin Posted 8 months ago

I first heard about Girls on the Run two years ago when my granddaughter started at Armstrong. I loved the idea of building girls self confidence through healthy activities. Once I met Mrs. Hall, her energy and passion for all children let me k ow that the program would definitely benefit my granddaughter. As her teacher, Mrs. Hall exuded patience, understanding, and kindness towards her. As her Coach with Girls on the Run, the same passion is evident every day! My granddaughter never wants to miss practice. She believes in herself and is willing to try new things. Although she struggles somewhat, she still feels successful because she gives it her all. This can be attributed to the way Mrs. Hall instills confidence and belief in the girls. The way they cheer each other on is a sight to behold. I am forever grateful for Mrs. Hall and her inspiration to my granddaughter. She is most deserving of this recognition. Shirley Braxton-McLaurin

Leanne Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie truly is a life changer. Outside of the lives she has touched with GOTR, I also want to mention another example. During COVID and virtual learning, she noticed that a family needed basic necessities for their home (beds, clothes, etc.) and she jumped into action. Because of her compassion, she turned an empty apartment into a home for one of her students and their family. This is just one example of just how big her heart is and I am so thankful I get to call her a friend!

Christian Barnes Posted 8 months ago

Our family has had the absolute blessing of having Mrs.Hall teach both of our children when they were in second grade. We love to call her our miss Honey(from Matilda). She goes above and beyond for her students! Her love and support for her students doesn’t end in her classroom, she even takes time to show up and support her students when they have sporting events. She is so kind, and truly cares so much! The students and their families of Armstrong are so lucky to have her! I am so thankful that she chose to teach at Armstrong.

Matthew Hamor Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is one of the most caring and student dedicated teachers I have ever met. I have witnessed Mrs. Hall support all of her students well beyond second grade and even after they leave elementary school. Her commitment to helping each young student grow into the best version of themselves shines brightly, and Armstrong Elementary is truly fortunate to have such a compassionate and life-changing teacher.

Elizabeth Hamor Posted 8 months ago

Stephanie is more than deserving of this award. She has touched the lives of so many young boys and girls over the years. She makes a difference in their lives whether it be from support inside the classroom or within the community through extra curricular activities or sports. Stephanie once help coached a child with disabilities during upward basketball, just so he could be a part of the team. She is amazing and never stops for her students, school or family. I couldn't think of someone better to win this award!

Krystal Walker Posted 8 months ago

I just have to take a moment to recognize Mrs. Hall, a teacher who truly goes above and beyond for her students! She taught my daughter in 2nd grade and even took extra time after school to help her get to where she needed to be. That kind of dedication and care doesn’t go unnoticed! Last year, my daughter wasn’t old enough to officially join the Girls on the Run (GOTR) program, but that didn’t stop her—she showed up and ran anyway! This year, she’s officially part of the team and looks forward to every Tuesday and Thursday because of the encouragement and positivity Mrs. Hall brings. Mrs. Hall truly pushes her students to do their best, includes everyone no matter what, and makes every child feel seen and valued. She’s not just an incredible teacher—she’s an incredible person. Thank you, Mrs. Hall, for inspiring your students both inside and outside the classroom. Teachers like you make all the difference!

Cindy Graham Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is such a beacon of positivity and light. She is kind, caring, and loving towards everyone that crosses her path. Her dedication with Girls on the Run is only one part of the commitment she provides to the students at Armstrong Elementary, but her willingness that goes above and beyond to see that each child is cared for, felt loved, and has a sense of belonging in addition to being an amazing teacher speaks to her character. We are grateful for Mrs. Hall and she is most deserving to be celebrated and is well respected amongst our entire community.

Sabrina Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is most certainly an inspiration. My daughter loves girls on the run and it gives my little family the motivation needed to get together in healthy ways! She is definitely a life changer!

Shardae J Posted 8 months ago

Journ and I love you so much! We are beyond grateful for everything you do for your students and the community. Your dedication, kindness, and beautiful spirit make such a lasting impact on everyone around you. We’re forever thankful for your hard work and heart you truly inspire us every day.

Morgan Harper Posted 8 months ago

There isn’t a teacher out there as dedicated and as wonderful as Mrs. Hall! It was an honor working across the hall from her for a year and watching her talents shine.

Luis Perez Posted 8 months ago

Mrs. Hall is an amazing teacher and was fortunate to have her as 2 of my girls teacher in 2nd grade also coached them for 3 years in girls on the run. Thank you Mrs. Hall!!