LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Miriam Casarez was nominated by Nidia Ruiz Martinez, the parent of a student.

"I met Mrs. Casarez last year as my son entered PK-4. As a parent to a new student, I had concerns about how well my son would adjust to change," said Ruiz Martinez. "Would he be happy, and would he be okay during lunch? Mrs. Casarez reassured me he would be okay. She made sure he was engaged and would show me photos of the work he did that day, as well as videos. Within the first month of school, I could see a positive change in my son."

On a daily basis, Mrs. Cazarez speaks to each child, tells them she loves them, and speaks to them about being grateful for their day and what they have. She not only educates her students, but shapes them into loving and caring people.

Her love extends outside her classroom. She developed a Big Brother/Sister program where eighth grade students adopt a PK and Kindergarten student for the year. They learn to work with each other through special projects and weekly interactions. Eighth graders begin to learn about responsibility and commitment, as well as being good role models for the younger kids. Mrs. Casarez also coordinates the activities for the First 100 Days of school celebration! With all the work she has with such a large group, she will use her personal time to create long time memories for the entire campus.

Her hard work, dedication, and love for the students does not go unoticed. Mrs. Casarez has made a positive impact on so many lives over the past 13 years that other parents in the community have heard of her and are enrolling their children in school so she can be their child’s teacher. During the year, she will host and find sponsors (or even pay herself) for the Mother's Day luncheon, Father's Day Fishing Course, Holiday Celebration for the parents, Zoo and Movie trip, trip to the grocery store to learn about working with budgets, and year end graduation ceremony for kindergarten students and their families. The level of education she provides is impressive. She is committed to delivering excellence through the development of her students.

"My son is now in her kindergarten program. This school year, he has learned to read, tell time, add, count money, fractions, and spelling," said Ruiz Martinez. "Mrs. Casarez is an extraordinary person who has also taught us as parents to be loving, grateful, and giving. She has changed our life and the life of our son, as well as the lives of those she has taught."

Mrs. Casarez's colleague Eva Cuellar also created a video demonstrating why she is a LifeChanger. To view the video, please click this link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/qgamlwgssblomn1/Eva%20%20Cuellar%20-%204D2DBD1F-C3D3-4DD8-9813-69961618A477.MOV?dl=0.