LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sandra Knight was nominated by her school secretary, Natalie Rock.

Fairport Harbor Schools is a small district of approximately 400 MS/HS students, with over 40% of students receiving free and reduced lunches. This small school district relies on open enrollment students and has been a destination district for the last past five years. As an English teacher, Mrs. Knight puts in extra planning and time in developing lessons around fun field trips. Her class has taken trips to the county jail, Mexican restaurants, plays, historical locations, and the beach!

Mrs. Knight has been so inspired by her students' writing that she has become a proponent of entering their works, poems, and stories into various contests around the country. Her school has had several winners in subjects from nature poetry to spooky stories! Mrs. Knight inspires the students to write about what they enjoy and what they're passionate about.

Mrs. Knight resurrected "Skipper Sketches," a weekly newspaper that is created by the eighth grade students. She has guided students as they write restaurant reviews, make crossword puzzles, provide recaps of Skipper sporting events, review movies, and make book recommendations. Mrs. Knight even pulled in the Spanish teacher to have her students translate some articles. Once the newspaper is finished, students get to take a walk and deliver "Skipper Sketches" around the community and to the Fairport Harbor Senior Center.  

Mrs. Knight goes above and beyond with penny war contests, door decorating contests, and school spirit.  She played some holiday music on her trombone for the students during lunch around the holidays.  Mrs. Knight is fun and energetic. She has a tireless dedication to school spirit and student success.

As part of an English class, Mrs. Knight required her students to find something they enjoy and to "give back." Some of the projects included pet adoptions, a clothing drive, a food drive, a school volleyball game where proceeds went to a homeless shelter, a "Stop the Hate" basketball game that raised money for Cleveland's APL, and many other community outreach donations.  

Mrs. Knight is available as a trusted teacher, coach, and advisor. On top of being a full-time teacher, Mrs. Knight coaches several sports and is the activities director. She's often seen at Fairport athletic and academic events cheering the students on.

"Often times, we barely have enough students to field a team," said Rock. "Our students give everything they have and put every effort forward. Here at Fairport Schools, the Skippers celebrate every point and every play. Our success is not measured by the score, but by our teamwork, efforts, and sportsmanship.  Mrs. Knight is our biggest cheerleader, often boasting about a good tackle during football, a beautiful basket during basketball, or an ACE for our volleyball team on Twitter or Facebook.  Her enthusiasm and school spirit set an example for students and staff to focus on what is important."

Mrs. Knight's participation with students on so many levels creates strong relationships. Students feel comfortable going to a trusted adult when things in life get tough, and they need a teacher like Mrs. Knight when they are struggling.   

You wouldn't think it's possible, but Mrs. Knight also has an after-school writing club! She provides snacks for students who want to become better writers and works with them on their writing skills.  Mrs. Knight has even taken a few to Power of the Pen competitions. She's providing students with opportunities, inspiration, and guidance.

"In our district, it's clear that Sandra Knight is a leader in the classroom, on the field, and in the lives of our students," said Rock. "She has dedicated her efforts to show our students they can be successful. Her behavior and professionalism have proven she is a leader in the classroom and in the eyes of the youth of Fairport Harbor.  When teenagers know you care about them, they give you everything they have."