LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Janet Graham was nominated by a colleague, Terri Solan.

Janet Graham is an integral part in the proper functioning of her school. While she ensures that all of the criteria for state and school reporting are updated and handles scheduling, registrations and a multitude of other required information are input into the school database, it is her kind heart that is the motivation behind this nomination.

"Our school, Whispering Pines is an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Center dedicated to providing students with enriching experiences that will prepare them for future endeavors including college bound, community-based programs or future employment," Solan said. "For many years, Ms. Graham has been a mentor to a student at our school. This in itself is noteworthy, but it is her efforts in the last few months that deserve recognition." The student's parents both passed away within a week of each other.  Ms. Graham stepped in immediately to help the student through a difficult time. She arranged for home cooked meals to be brought to his home and she met with his guardian to keep up with his future plans. The student missed some school so Ms. Graham checked in with the guidance counselor to make certain the student and guardian remained up to date in terms of graduation. She took him out for his birthday and even got him a present. "I am certain she will be present in his life for many years to come, truly making her a LifeChanger," Solan said.