LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michelle Davis was nominated by her principal, Laurie Brooks.

"When I think about a school without Michelle Davis, I realize how sad that school would be," said Brooks. "Michelle has been a mainstay at Guymon Central Junior High School for over 12 years, though she's worked in education for much longer. She's not only a girls' PE teacher and health teacher, but she's also the Student Council (STUCO) advisor and varsity head coach for the high school girls soccer team.  Investment is a term that Michelle takes to heart.  She invests in the entire student, the entire athlete, their entire world.  She knows where they live and what they are going through.  More importantly, she knows what they are capable of."

In the school setting, Ms. Davis goes by the book for the sake of teaching the students. STUCO meetings at the jr. high level are conducted by Robert's Rules of Order.  The elections themselves are events where students run campaigns and give speeches.

"I believe students who leave our school have a vast knowledge of what leadership looks like because they have seen it in actions," said Brooks. "We have a diverse population, with 85% of our students having a non-English speaking background. Every other year, we have a massive Thanksgiving meal conducted by the homerooms and put on by STUCO. In the spring, we have Walk Like a Tiger, where the entire district participates in healthy living and walks laps around the track.  Michelle organizes this event in its entirety.  It has become a city-wide event!

Ms. Davis is as dedicated in the classroom as she is on the soccer court.  Her lesson plans include ways to inform students. She makes learning fun by including songs and poems about the body parts in health.  She includes special needs students and accommodates them in her class.  Her mission is to have the students leave her class and campus as better human beings.

"I believe coaches get a bad wrap about ethics...but Michelle leads by example in her life and in her classroom," said Brooks. "She holds her students, athletes and family to the high code of ethics.  If it can be learned and is for the betterment of society, she is there to teach it."

"In short, life at my school is better because she is here," said Brooks. "I am a better leader, our school is a better school, and students leave knowing they were taught, cared for and challenged.  Michelle Davis is a LifeChanger, but don't just take my word for it. Ask any student and/or athlete she has ever had."