LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Amy Sparks was nominated by a member of the community, Ashlee Russell. 

Mrs. Sparks is the kind of educator you see in movies and read about in books. Her personality is one of a kind, and her heart for children is truly life-changing. She is a LifeChanger, and her life is a testimony to just how many lives she has changed! Through 35+ years spent serving children through education, 30 years with public schools, and founding a specialized school for children with autism, The School of Hope in Fayetteville, North Carolina, she has touched the lives of thousands of students and hundreds of thousands of local families through education, philanthropy, and a pure heart full of love. 

"Mrs. Sparks' passion for helping others is contagious, and when I think of her, I think of cartwheels, smiles, and hugs. She was my own teacher in second grade. I remember that school year the most from my childhood; it was always fun, exciting, and full of love. It was only as an adult that I realized not only was she the 'cool' teacher, but also incredibly knowledgeable and talented in research-based methods of teaching," said Russell.

All of this combined is what truly makes her a life-changing educator. Mrs. Sparks has presented at state-wide conferences, led teams, and headed up a nonprofit organization: the Jarred Bryan Sparks Foundation. She is full of energy and has devoted her life to making a positive impact through education. The Jarred Bryan Sparks Foundation helps local families who are affected by autism. Mrs. Sparks has led clinics educating families on their rights within the law, orchestrated family festivals and events, and coordinated fundraising to go toward opening her dream school: The School of Hope. In 2017, her dream came true, and she was able to open the School of Hope, where students with autism have a place to grow and learn.

This passion for children with autism came from a place near to her heart; Mrs. Sparks' own son, Jarred (the namesake for the Jarred Bryan Sparks Foundation), had autism and passed away tragically in 2011. Throughout his life, she always wanted the best educational opportunities for him. Today, she spends her time making sure the children of Fayetteville with autism have the absolute best education, regardless of their disability. Students at the School of Hope are able to learn in smaller environments with research-based methods, have specialists come into the school for one-on-one support, and even get to participate in extracurricular activities such as learning the piano and holding recitals and performances. Mrs. Sparks is now the principal at the School of Hope and continues to ignite passion in the children of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

"I have had the pleasure of serving on the board for the School of Hope for the last 12 years, and I have seen the heart and the hard work that Amy puts into the school every day and night. I see the commitment firsthand that she has to providing the best educational opportunities for children with autism. For this reason, and for her lifetime of devotion to education, I believe Amy Sparks to be the greatest, most life-changing educator out there, and fully deserving of this award," said Russell.