LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Lisa Powell was nominated by her principal, Karen Thornton.

"Coach Powell has been making an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of children in her 29 years of teaching. Out of these 29 years, Coach Powell has been on my staff for a total of 24 years. Three of these years were at Bozeman Elementary and 21 years at Waters Elementary," said Thornton.

Coach Powell grew up knowing that she wanted to be in a profession where she could make a positive difference in the lives of those with whom she worked. Fortunately for her students, she decided that becoming a teacher would give her an opportunity to mold and touch young lives. Coach Powell excelled in sports, so a physical education teacher was a natural choice for her.

Coach Powell is highly intelligent, but also has empathy and a great understanding of people. She sets goals for herself and does not rest until they are accomplished. She is respected and loved by students, parents and staff at Waters. Coach Powell is always fair and considers all criteria before making decisions. She strives to make her class fun so that children want to participate. Each child feels they are an important part of a team in P.E. The team cannot be successful unless each person does their very best.  Coach Powell has the extraordinary skill of being able to motivate students to reach goals they never thought possible. For most students at Waters, PE is their favorite subject because Coach Powell teaches children that you don’t have to be a super athlete to succeed in sports. The biggest factor in their success is a willingness to try. Her philosophy is that no one was an expert at anything the first time they tried. A positive attitude toward instruction and a willingness to practice will bring success. She believes success is not measured by winning, but by continuing to improve and not giving up.

Coach Powell is talented, creative and organized. She is recognized as a staff leader. She has volunteered to be captain for all charitable fundraising at her school. This involves the American Diabetes Association, United Way and March of Dimes. She has been recognized and honored by these organizations as one of their top coordinators. Because of Coach Powell’s work over the past 12 years, Waters Elementary usually raises over $10,000 each year for the American Heart Association. Waters has been recognized every year as one of the highest contributing schools in the region. Coach Powell encourages students and staff to do their best and be productive citizens by giving back to the community. Students take pride in these accomplishments and know they have the ability to change the world, one step at a time!

Coach Powell has the heart of a volunteer and is a cheerful giver who mobilizes support for those in need. She has led staff in helping former students who have been injured.

"We have a number of students who have been involved in very serious accidents which have changed their lives forever. Once you are a Waters’ Patriot, you are always a Waters’ patriot," said Thornton. "We don’t forget our students after they have outgrown their elementary years. Coach Powell leads the staff in finding ways to help meet the needs of these students, from everyone signing cards to donating money and/ or items to make them more comfortable. They know they are not forgotten and that our staff will continue to support them through their recovery."

Coach Powell also leads the Waters’ teacher’s social committee and plans showers and retirements.

The Waters’ athletic department has been recognized for its success in the Annual City Cross Country Race, Punt, Pass and Kick Contest, and Quadrant Track Meets. They have placed first in these events most years. Coach Powell finds each student’s talents and helps them to believe in themselves.  Once they have tasted success, they want to continue achieving. Every child has different talents. Coach Powell takes a personal interest in every child and finds something in which each student can excel. She won’t allow them to say “I can’t do it.” Their self-confidence becomes evident and affects every aspect of their lives. Coach Powell's number one priority is her students. She always has time to listen to children. She is empathetic and tries to let children know they are important and accepted.

Coach Powell demonstrates a high level of professional commitment to her students, her school, and Lubbock Independent School District. She takes pride in her instruction and is recognized by Texas Tech University and Lubbock Christian University as a superior educator who is always asked to work with student teachers. She works well with parents and goes the extra mile by providing rides to children and parents who do not have transportation to extra-curricular activities. Coach Powell does what is best for children, no matter how inconvenient or how much extra time it takes on her part. She is a true and caring friend to staff members and is never too busy to help a coworker or do a kindness for someone else.

Coach Powell volunteers to tutor students during her conference periods. She is always willing to go the extra mile! Her coworkers respect her because of her hard work. Coach Powell volunteers for staff development.  She is an active member of three PTAs. She was honored as the Waters PTA Teacher of the Year and the Lubbock ISD PTA Teacher of the Year. Coach Powell is always cheerful and goes above and beyond what is expected.  She treats all children equally and lets each one know they are unique and important to her.

Coach Powell is humble and never seeks recognition. In her 29 years of teaching, she has left many footprints on the hearts of children who have a brighter future because she has crossed their paths. Many of her students have become teachers.  She inspired them to want to touch the lives of future students, as she has touched their lives.  Coach Powell represents the best of the best in a most important profession that is often unrecognized for the tremendous influence it has upon the future of students.

"Coach Powell symbolizes a multitude of excellent teachers who go into teaching not seeking fame and wealth but hoping to make a difference. She has most definitely done this, and in such a gracious and unpretentious manner! I am honored to have Coach Powell on my staff," said Thornton.