LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Brenda Yanowski was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

As a 38 year veteran teacher, Brenda Yanowski has impacted the lives of thousands, truly touching the future.  Teaching Health and PE means that Brenda has the opportunity to positively influence kids and help them develop life-long positive habits.  Her experience provides her with a wealth of real life examples that she can share with kids, providing concrete examples of healthy life long habits.  Students recognize that she cares about them. She consistently maintains long term ties with her kids.

Brenda has coached basketball, wrestling, volleyball, track, and cheerleading during her career.  She understands that children come with a wide array of natural talents, but all of them can develop strong work habits and improve their game. She teaches her students to value the importance of the team and to use athletics as a way to reach their goals.  Brenda works hard to understand the nuances of a sport and is the consummate assistant coach.  She is organized, responsible, loyal and dedicated to her athletes, parents and other coaches.

As Department Chair for Health and PE, Brenda makes sure that academics are supported by her team of teachers. Recognizing that kids can be reached through extracurriculars, she makes sure that her team knows which kids need extra attention and assistance and connects them to their academic teachers.  Brenda is also the "go to person" for the building.  She is very aware of building logistics and needs and can always be counted on to find the blown breaker and batteries needed for the microphone.  She is proactive and positive.  Her influence extends to the District level where she can be counted on to work any event and give it her all.

"In this age of social media, seeing the influence of a teacher is easy!" the nominator said. "One has only to access Brenda's Facebook page to see the positive impact she has had on so many.  In fact, many of her former students are now coaches and teachers.  But whether an Olympian or a PE student, Brenda ensures that the student is successful."