LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Adam Cristo was nominated by Carrie Thompson, the parent of a student.

For most people, middle school is known as "the armpit of life," or a place where nobody is to be. The complex layers of forming an identity, fitting in, and juggling multiple classes and responsibilities, all while managing acne breakouts and first romances, can be overwhelming. You can feel a palpable change of atmosphere, however, when you step into Mr. Cristo's classroom. 

"I clearly remember the distinctly comfortable vibe of Mr. Cristo's classroom" said Thompson. "I first met him when my son, Gray, started his 8th grade year at Falcon Cove, one of the largest middle schools in the United States. On his first day of meeting teachers and students, Gray and I both left really liking Mr. Cristo. He was approachable, nice, and seemed to genuinely enjoy math and teaching. He was young, and he liked video games and Chik-Fil-A. In fact, he mentioned that he ordered take-out to be delivered to school for the student who got the highest score on his weekly test. There was a small crowd of past students hovering around his class, telling the new students how lucky they were to have been assigned the best teacher ever."

At the time, Thompson and her family desperately needed positive change. Her son, Gray, is a smart kid, an avid reader, and had been high-achieving throughout elementary school. Somewhere in that tween-to-teen transition, however, his self-confidence began to plummet. How would things go at a new school? 

"The most descriptive moment, the one that truly captures the impact of a life-changing teacher, came at a mid-year parent-teacher conference I had with Gray's team of academic instructors," said Thompson. "After some opening comments from the guidance counselor, each teacher took a turn around the table to give an update on Gray's progress. Mr. Cristo was the last to speak, and he said, 'Gray is a fantastic student. He has a high A in my class and helps other students often who need mentoring.' There was stunned silence in the room."

"I fought tears and told Mr.Cristo what a change I had seen in Gray in his attitude about math. Gray told me on multiple occasions that he was really good at math," said Thompson. "Those were the furthest sentiments from his mind a year earlier. What brought the change?"

Mr.Cristo shared more feedback about Gray, things that seemed to work well. He asked about Gray's plans for college and encouraged him to consider taking honors classes. In a few minutes, the entire academic team was brainstorming with an entirely new perspective about this capable student. Together, they left the room eager to support a student with great capacity, and Mr. Cristo was the catalyst for change.

"Being a great math teacher is just the beginning of what sets Mr. Cristo apart as an educator," said Thompson. "He has the gift to see potential, to grow confidence and love for learning in his students. He is a LifeChanger, and I nominate him wholeheartedly for recognition as such."