LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Phillip Moller was nominated by Bailey McCoy, a student.

"Mr. Moller was part of a safety net in the second semester of my senior year that I don't know what I would've done without! I was a student in his art class in the second semester of my senior year. I was going through a lot of intense difficulty and struggles mentally and emotionally, because of concerns and a lack of support at both home and school. These circumstances made it very difficult for me to push through each day. Mr. Moller was a major source of light and support during those hard times for several reasons," said McCoy.

"First of all, I met two very good friends in his class, one of whom I still talk to currently! Second, I was in his class because it was the best option to fill my schedule; I could have graduated without it. Additionally, art wasn't really my thing and still isn't, but it was the best option to fill my schedule at the time. On top of all that, I was obviously struggling emotionally and stressed out every single day. Mr. Moller caught on pretty quickly to everything about my situation, and a few weeks into the semester, we talked, and I explained that art really wasn't my thing but that it was my best scheduling option. He understood pretty quickly, and for the rest of the semester, his classroom during his class period was a sanctuary/safe space for me. I was able to use that part of my day as a time to be myself, be happy, escape the stress, and feel supported," said McCoy.

"I met those two good friends I mentioned, and I sat with them and chatted with them daily in art class. I also frequently talked to Mr. Moller about whatever was on my mind, and he was a supportive person to me! The sanctuary, the laughter, the support, the space to relax and decompress, everything he provided me during this difficult, vulnerable time of my life gave me what I needed to keep going and feel supported. His class was the part of the day I always looked forward to, because I knew it was where I would feel safe, loved, and supported! He saw me as a human with real needs and emotions, and set everything else aside to provide that safe space for me! He was also always very enthusiastic and friendly, and I never felt scared or unsafe to go to him for support! While this may not be directly about academics, his support and care were literally a huge, vital part of how I was able to keep going every day and reach that finish line of graduation in June 2025. He saw me at my lowest and made sure I felt safe and supported," said McCoy.

"As a final touch, I wanna mention what he wrote in my yearbook. He wrote, 'What a year! Well, it's only been a semester in art, but the amazing bond we have been able to create is amazing. Stay in touch and keep doing great.' It's safe to say he was a vital part of what got me through that difficult period of my life, which led to my successful graduation and becoming the person I am today! A student can't do the work and maintain good grades if they don't feel safe, supported, and loved. As of today, I have become very happy and successful, and am working towards big goals and independence. I have a strong and supportive team, and I have transformed from who I was during those difficult times. Mr. Moller was a major part of that foundation for me and is still someone I think about regularly because of his incredible impact on me! If I could go back and tell him one thing as his student in his class, I would say, 'You are the anchor when my sails are torn. You're the calm to my storm when I feel upset,'" said McCoy.