LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jolynn Sapia

Position: Retiring Director of Technology
School: Half Hollow Hills Central School District
School District: Half Hollow Hills Central School District
City, State: Dix Hills, NY

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Music that Describes Jolynn

Jolynn Sapia was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

"Jolynn exemplifies who we want to see in such a vital position for the development of both our students and our staff," said her nominator.

Ms. Sapia's dedication to children and their education originally led her to the classroom, where she was a teacher for years. She recognized where the future was taking us, and that the integration of technology and education was vital. Her school district had only two choices; fail students and educators by not preparing them for both the challenges and opportunities they will be facing, or step up and meet those opportunities eagerly. Ms. Sapia has stood at the vanguard of that effort, ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed.

Ms. Sapia has researched, implemented and distributed all of the technology used on a daily basis for nearly 10,000 students. She is directly responsible for every computer program her district's students benefit from. She has even created a Makerspace in every building so the children can do hands-on activities and use their imagination to create and problem solve.

"I can attest to Jolynn's diligence and dedication to our children due to her hands-on approach to education and technological facilitation," said her nominator. "She constantly moves with a sense of urgency, usually handling at least three things at once. Still, she has found the time to stop and have discussions with teachers, administrators, students, and paraprofessionals. She takes everyone’s opinion into consideration and seeks out anyone who interfaces directly with the children and all of the varied technology used to enhance their educational experience."

Ms. Sapia will do whatever it takes to get what is needed for her students. She has created a friendly, open atmosphere for learning and working. Besides her regular responsibilities, she has taught children to embrace technology through coding! She created a Night of Code that was open to everyone in her district. She brought in professionals in the computer field and involved every student and their family. This introduction to coding was a seed that continues to bear fruit years after it was first implemented.

Ms. Sapia's excitement about each new project is palpable. It’s a pleasure to see how even the most technophobic of staff members are drawn from their shell. Her years in the classroom and inherent patience continually win over new converts who, in turn, spread that enthusiasm to the students.

Half Hollow Hills is a disparate school district, with some areas having a median income that is almost four times greater than others. The needs of the students vary greatly. Ms. Sapia works tirelessly to ensure those needs are met and that all students stand on even ground.

"I truly believe that Jolynn embodies the LifeChanger of the Year ideal due to her passion, dedication to the students, and her creative solutions to problems we wouldn’t even identify without her perspicacity," said her nominator. "She has an ability to provide not only the knowledge of necessary educational technology, but an ability to ease us into what many would consider daunting. She provides us with the encouragement, training, knowledge and foresight to help our students meet today's challenges and be prepared for what tomorrow may bring."

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Comments (11)

Dayle dalia Posted over a year ago

Jolynn is a wonderful educator and an incredible role model. As a parent I know how lucky every family is that Jolynn is impacting our children’s education. Check out this video from her first “HHH Night of Code” - I think over 1,000 people attended! And yes, that is Jolynn in the second frame! https://animoto.com/play/Bs42OvUs1Gs40352WsqCVQ

Nicole Vance Posted over a year ago

Jolynn is an incredibly knowledgeable and supportive administrator. At a time of so much uncertainty, Jolynn rose to the challenge of training our staff on new technology, which allowed us to teach our students remotely. She has always been and has continued to make herself available to any staff member, treating even the smallest issue a teacher could have as a top priority. Jolynn is passionate, and her love of learning and teaching is infectious! She makes the least technologically savvy teacher feel confident and supported. I feel grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Jolynn!

Dayle dalia Posted over a year ago

Andi Liebling Posted over a year ago

Jolynn goes out of her way to guide/teach/encourage and problem solve for all staff. She is a wonderful person and colleague!! She goes above and beyond in everything she does.

Kim Farrell Posted over a year ago

Jolynn, Your work and dedication for all of the Half Hollow Hills students and staff is something that will always be remembered. Technology is challenging for many to learn and you definitely were a calm and understanding voice over the years! Your leadership through this unimaginable time has been greatly appreciated.We couldn’t have done any of this without your knowledge and expertise to guide us. Not sure how anyone would be able to fill your shoes. Enjoy this well deserved next stage in your life! Sincerely, Kimberly Farrell Vanderbilt ??

Ilana Sussman Posted over a year ago

Jolynn is a LifeChanger because she leads by example. A jack of all trades, who is always smiling. She is dedicated to her career in a way that is unmatched by many. Jolynn is accessible, understanding, and always has a shoulder to lean on. Every conversation that I have ever had with Jolynn has always been about creating or planning a new adventure. Brainstorming with Jolynn is like an amazing exercise class. You leave invigorated, exhausted and you can't wait to see what comes next. I personally aspire to be the type of leader Jolynn has been in Half Hollow Hills. She is always open to learn, try and do anything new. She approaches each task with grace and clarity. Jolynn understands children needs and is committed to making every student a 21st century learner. In the technology world there are 2 categories. You are either a technology immigrant which most adults over 30 are or you are a technology native. A technology immigrant is someone who was born before smartphones, laptops and ipads. Those people have, had to teach themselves how to use these new devices. Technology natives are kids who are born never needing to learn how to use technology, they just know how to use it since birth. Jolynn tries so hard to be a technology native and it really is natural to her. She spends much of her own time learning, researching, buying, planning and never breaks a sweat through it all. This is why she is a LifeChanger. She has changed my life for the better just by having the opportunity to learn and grow along side her. I am forever grateful to Jolynn for being the most amazing mentor, colleague and friends without even trying!!!

Chip Parker Posted over a year ago

Jolynn embodies the mission of the LifeChanger of the Year program, as someone who has dedicated her career to rethinking and reshaping how students can grow and learn using technology. She is a ball of energy who never stops working and never ceases to amaze me with her passion and creativity. She has overseen the infusion of three elementary technology projects into the existing curriculum, created a Night of Code to showcase all the district’s STEM activities, and implemented the roll-out of Makerspaces in all buildings and coding curriculum in all grades. Most importantly, she always puts students first. I am also personally thankful for her to her support and belief in me, as a colleague, and her hand in helping me to explore professional avenues I never thought were possible.

Sandy Carlberg Posted over a year ago

Jolynn grew up wanting to teach and help people. Seeing her fulfill her dream every day is heartwarming and exciting! She embraces a situation and acts on it. The sky is the limit for Jolynn, nothing is overwhelming. She defines the need and addresses and formats a solution. Her passion is to implement her learning and love for technology and share it with every child and adult. When she sees growth she is satisfied for the moment, but wants that growth as a stepping stone to further learning. She puts her heart and soul into all she does and has never taken the easy way out. Every student is special and she looks into the whole person in order to maximize on their need. To know her is to experience the ultimate 'life changer'. I know all of this about Jolynn as I am proud to be her mother.

Paul Sapia Posted over a year ago

“She provides us with the encouragement, training, knowledge and foresight to help our students meet today's challenges and be prepared for what tomorrow may bring." No doubt, everybody in and around the district can see the impact Jolynn Sapia has on every student and educator she comes in contact with. What people may not see is the profound influence she has on her children and family. As her oldest son, I can certainly speak to the fact that her love and constant support is above and beyond what anybody could ever dream of. Knowledge. Encouragement. Work ethic. They seem important, and they are. But what I hold most dearly to my heart is the way she taught me to love people. Watching the way she treats others with such care and love has guided me through more obstacles than she could ever imagine. It takes a deeper level of understanding to value what’s truly important to pass on to your children. Wealth, grades, and titles aren’t what people remember about you; it’s the love for family, the caring for other people, the way you make people feel that will last beyond your time. There are lessons beyond the classroom that I know she can’t help but spread like a brushfire through her schools. When my mother takes on a task, it is done with more passion and care than anybody I have ever known. It is not half-hearted or taken lightly, because that is not something she knows how to do. Her work ethic is truly second to none. She is the strongest person I know and gives everyone around her the strength to succeed. She is more than a Lifechanger of the year nominee. She has been changing my life in more ways than she could ever know. Everything I am, I owe to you. Thank you.

Kyle Sapia Posted over a year ago

Truly changing someone's life is something not many people can do. My mom is absolutely one of these people and I can't think of someone better to win this award than her. From the moment I was born, she has constantly pushed me to be the best form of myself I can be. Whether it be small things like doing my homework or playing a sport, to very important things like choosing a career path, she always showed me the importance behind everything I do. She translates this mindset to her school community as well, and I know each student and faculty in the Half Hollow Hills community is better off for it. I worked for her at Half Hollow Hills for six years and each day that I worked she never put her own worries over the worries of her colleagues and students. Each student in Half Hollow Hills is destined to have a better life, because she is paving the way for future careers of these students. From all of her coding activities for all students of the district (even the elementary school ones), to the curriculum shaped to allow these students to learn the emerging fields in the job market, such as coding, all of these students are better off for having her in their lives. I know that everyone who has come into contact with her, including myself, would be nowhere close to the individual they call themselves today without her.

Elyssa Sapia Posted over a year ago

First of all, I would just like to give a big congratulations to my mom for being nominated for this award. She is absolutely deserving of a "life changer" award in that she has not only changed the lives of those in my family- but also of those that have worked with her. Between the "Night of Code", teacher trainings, technology conferences, and more, she is always trying to change the life of her colleagues and school community for the better. My mom has always been a hard working and dedicated individual. She gives 100% effort into every task and always does what is best for her colleagues and district. She is passionate about her job and everything that she sets her mind to. Our whole family is so proud of all of the great work that she does and all the amazing things that she has done for her school community. We are so happy for her and proud of all of her accomplishments.