LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Darlene Gamble was nominated by her colleague, Michael Silvidi.

"Ms. Gamble is an exceptional candidate for the LifeChanger of the Year Award. I have worked as a Social Studies teacher at McKinley Middle, a Title I school in the DC Public School system, for the past six years. For the past two years, I have had the pleasure of working professionally with Ms. Gamble, both in my capacity as an educator and as co-sponsor of our Student Government Association (SGA). When Ms. Gamble arrived at McKinley, the SGA evolved from a small club to a behemoth leadership organization in our school community. Students dress in formal wear for weekly meetings, welcome visitors, and spearhead school-wide initiatives such as a school store and an upcoming talent show. Ms. Gamble is the reason this growth and evolution have occurred. She has added a professional tone to our school community in a student-centric way," said Silvidi. "Students admire her strong yet caring leadership in our organization and turn to her for guidance in several arenas."

"Ms. Gamble personally hosts the school store in her room, turning her classroom into a workspace where students can take ownership of their projects and lead our school from the front. I have been blessed to work alongside Ms. Gamble in the Student Government, and I have seen how our organization and school at large have grown as a result," said Silvidi.

Ms. Gamble's leadership in her school community extends far beyond the SGA. She works to tutor students after school, has served as a grade team lead and department chair, and, most importantly, acts as a cultural leader for staff and students. Ms. Gamble is a figure that children and adults alike can turn to for support, advice, guidance, or simply someone to hear our problems and offer support. She is known in the McKinley community as a trusted figure who goes above and beyond for students. 

Ms. Gamble's most notable success has been her professional achievements. Last year, she received district-wide recognition for the growth her students showed in their literacy scores. She has a strict but fair classroom where students feel safe to challenge themselves.

"Ms. Gamble is an exceptional candidate for this prestigious award, given her commitment to our school and students, and the impact she has had on others throughout her career and continues to have daily," said Silvidi.