LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Raul Platus was nominated by the parent of a student, Akila Narayanan. 

"I am honored to nominate Mr. Raul Platas for the Life Changer of the Year Award," said Narayanan. "Mr. Platas and his team provide exceptional support to special education students in the AVLS program at Creek Valley Middle School, creating a classroom where every child feels safe, understood, and genuinely valued. He consistently goes far beyond expectations, teaching my child Spanish and ASL purely out of passion and care, even though these are not part of the school curriculum."

"His enthusiasm for learning new crafts to engage the kids, combined with his gentle, soft- spoken nature, helps students feel calm, confident, and truly seen and heard. He treats every child with dignity and meets them exactly where they are, while also respecting parents' decisions and suggestions during ARD discussions, making us feel like we are all one united team rooting for our special kid. Under his guidance, my child has grown not only academically but also in character, gaining confidence and joy in learning. The patience, kindness, and intentional care he brings to each interaction have made a profound difference in my child's life, and I wholeheartedly believe he embodies the spirit of a life-changing educator," Narayanan concluded.