LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jared Norton was nominated by Bailey McCoy, a student.

"Mr. Norton is an amazing teacher who keeps students engaged in the assignments and course content, while also explaining things in a relatable way," said the nominator. "When I was a senior in high school, I had Mr. Norton as my American Government teacher for the first semester and as my Economics teacher for the second semester. I was also his TA (teaching assistant) in a separate class period during the second semester," said McCoy.

"My senior year was a very difficult part of my life. Despite this, American Government and Economics were required classes for graduation, and I passed both and graduated in June 2025. Mr. Norton's support and amazing teaching methods were a huge part of my ability to accomplish all of that," said McCoy. "For example, whenever we were working on an assignment, and I had a question, didn't understand something, wanted to know more about something, or wanted him to check/review my answers on an assignment for peace of mind and to ensure good understanding, Mr. Norton was great at explaining anything and answering all questions! He did so without ever getting annoyed or judgmental when I asked questions."

"Additionally, I had a very curious mind. I frequently asked questions about government systems or officials, legal procedures or officials, and even different laws! A lot of the questions I asked were not directly related to the current assignment, but he would still answer them and feed my curiosity with no judgment," said McCoy.

"He also had a great sense of humor and made the work fun by including funny scenarios in our assignments or showing us funny videos related to our lesson. One thing I found funny but very admirable was when he would give a PowerPoint presentation for us to take notes, or when he'd pass out an assignment. He'd almost always say, 'If you have any questions, for the love of God, please ask!' The emphasis was very funny, but his commitment and investment in answering our questions and encouraging us to ask them was extremely admirable," said McCoy. "Additionally, he and I had a very awesome inside joke, because whenever I'd enter class, and he'd ask me how I'm doing, I would always say the same answer of 'crazy.' That was my answer every single time, and he eventually caught on and made it an inside joke, because when he asked me how I'm doing, before I could even respond, he'd smile, point at me, and say 'crazy!' It was very funny. I enjoyed having it as our inside joke!"

"Also, when I was his TA during the second semester, as one of his Economics students in another class period, there would be certain times when I needed to do a missing assignment, needed to finish an assignment, or needed help with an assignment. He would often willingly let me use my time as his TA to catch up or do whatever I needed to do," said McCoy.

"Because of how enjoyable and interesting he made class feel, I have a passion/desire to pursue a career in the field of law! Most of the questions I asked him have contributed to my legal knowledge, and now I want to pursue a career in law with the ultimate goal of becoming a judge in a courtroom to make a difference in society and help bring justice to others! Mr. Norton is the official foundation of that path for me to pursue! I applied for the Summer 2026 semester at our local community college and plan to start with two online classes. The two I'll be taking will be American Government and Administration of Justice," said McCoy.

"Mr. Norton saw me at my lowest and made class a place with laughter and very interesting/intriguing work and course material! Thanks to his constant support and willingness to answer all questions thoroughly and accurately, I graduated from high school, passed the two required classes he taught, and now plan to continue it in college and pursue a career related to what he taught me! One day, when I'm in that courtroom changing lives and bringing justice, it'll be the most official way of saying his amazing teaching methods and humor, which he always maintained, really made a difference and were the foundation of my future," said said McCoy.

"As a final touch, I'd like to mention what he wrote in my yearbook! He wrote 'It was an honor! Thank you for your hard work, help, kind words, etc. I wish you the best! Good luck out there, and stay 'crazy'-that is also proof of our inside joke!' If I could say anything to him right now, I would say, 'You shaped my future in the best way possible! " You helped me identify exactly what I want to do for my career," said said McCoy.