LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Stacy Yates was nominated by her spouse, Malcolm Yates. 

"It is an honor to nominate my wife, Stacy Yates, for the LifeChanger of the Year Award. While I have the privilege of seeing her dedication firsthand, her greatest impact is evident in the lives of the students, families, and staff she serves as a School Counselor at Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia," said Mr. Yates.

Mrs. Yates has an extraordinary ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. She believes every child deserves someone who sees their potential and refuses to give up on them. She supports students experiencing grief, homelessness, mental health challenges, family conflict, and academic struggles by helping them build confidence, set goals, and recognize their strengths. Many students return to thank her for changing the course of their lives.

Mrs. Yates has helped strengthen the school's culture by creating engaging social-emotional learning opportunities, organizing student recognition events, developing career exploration experiences, and building partnerships that connect students with valuable community resources. Her positivity, compassion, and collaborative spirit have helped create a school environment where students feel supported and valued.
She is a respected leader who willingly takes on initiatives that improve student success. She collaborates with teachers, administrators, and families to advocate for students while continually seeking professional growth to better meet their needs.

What makes her truly exceptional is her commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every student feels safe, respected, and encouraged. Her office has become a place where students find hope, guidance, and someone who genuinely believes in them. She leads with integrity, professionalism, and the highest ethical standards.

"I have watched her spend evenings planning student activities and use her own resources to purchase snacks, school supplies, clothing, and incentives because she never wants a student to go without.  I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition. Stacy Yates truly changes lives, and I am proud to nominate her for this well-deserved honor," Mr. Yates concluded.