LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Martha Hasselbusch was nominated anonymously.

Ms. Hasselbusch can be described in three words: steadfast, compassionate, and ethical. Ms. Hasselbusch is a remarkable educational leader who consistently demonstrates what it means to be a true LifeChanger. As the junior high/high school principal at North Central Local School, she operates daily with the school's three core pillars—safety, culture, and academics—at the forefront of every decision. She makes a profound and positive impact on the lives of both students and staff.

Mrs. Hasselbusch's dedication to a nurturing atmosphere and the crucial pillar of student safety is evident in her hands-on, down-to-earth approach and constant vigilance. Her commitment to student well-being transcends the school day. For example, when she found out a student was struggling, she did not hesitate to call the student's parent immediately, even though it was late at night. This decisive action exemplifies her ethical mandate to put students first. Beyond crises, Ms. Hasselbusch supports those facing hardships and regularly dedicates time to non-traditional check-ins. She helps vulnerable students secure resources and provides a safe, private space where they can feel heard. This individualized care directly translates into better emotional well-being and improved educational outcomes.

Mrs. Hasselbusch is the architect of a genuinely positive school atmosphere rooted in a strong culture. Her leadership marks a profound shift; she inherited a building in chaos and orchestrated a complete 180, making the school a much safer place. She consistently holds students accountable to high standards, and as a collaborative leader, she empowers, not dictates. This program moved the focus from reactive discipline to proactive positive reinforcement, fostering mutual respect throughout the building. She encourages staff to take ownership of programs and is always the first to praise their successes, demonstrating an unwavering belief in her team and making the school a dynamic place to learn and work.

Professionally, her performance is exemplary, aligning JH/HS operations to maximize student success. Her dedication to academics is tireless. She consistently seeks out innovative professional development for her staff and advocates for resources that directly benefit the classroom, resulting in measurable improvements in achievement and readiness metrics.

Most importantly, her adherence to high moral and ethical standards is unshakeable. She approaches complex disciplinary issues with consistent fairness and transparency, ensuring that all policies are applied equitably while maintaining the dignity of all involved. She is profoundly kind and always puts the needs of students and the school community ahead of her own. This dedication is often tested: even when facing personal disagreement or dislike from others for doing what is right, she consistently perseveres and carries on with the difficult, necessary task. This unwavering moral fortitude makes her not only an exceptional principal, but a community role model.

"Ms. Hasselbusch is a LifeChanger because she doesn't just manage a school. She courageously and compassionately shapes its character by putting the pillars of safety, culture, and academics first every single day," said the nominator.