LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Joann Johnson-LeBlanc was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

This year, Ms. Johnson-LeBlanc took twin eighth grade girls under her wing, and mentored them for the entire year. The girls had been raised by their uncle since they were infants. When Ms. Johnson-LeBlanc met them, they needed guidance and support in several areas. She allowed the girls to spend time in her classroom before and after school, as well as allowing them to be "big sisters" to her students. 

Often times when problems would occur, Ms. Johnson-LeBlanc would notify the other teachers while also discussing the issues directly with the girls. Ms. Johnson-LeBlanc's motto for the girls was, "The Teacher Is Always Right". She explained to them that their position as students is to go into the classrrom, learn, obey, be quiet, and be respectful. In addition, Ms. Johnson-LeBlanc always provided the girls with snacks and/or money for snacks on a daily basis. She is always looking out for them and has their best interests in mind. Whether she is providing them with a warm jacket for cold days, or taking them to their favorite restaurant on their birthdays, Ms. Johnson-LeBlanc is someone to look up to. 

Finally, at the end of the school year, Ms. Johnson-LeBlanc purchased a school yearbook and presented it to the girls. On the inside cover she wrote "It is my hope that you go to college or to the military. The choices you make in life, you will have to live with. Choose well my darlings."