LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

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Amanda Haygood

Position: Secretary
School: Beta Academy
School District: Beta Academy
City, State: Houston, TX

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Music that Describes Amanda


Amanda Haygood was nominated by an anonymous friend.

Teachers rock the world, but a behind-the-scenes hero rocks Beta Academy with her loving spirit. Ms. Haygood takes hospitality to heart. She greets the people who walk in the front office with a smile that comes straight from her soul. Ms. Haygood works with the philosophy that parents are entrusting Beta Academy with their most priceless treasures, and she wants to be worthy of that confidence. All the students are "her babies." She plays an integral role in taking care of both the families and the teachers. This committed ball of energy has a pulse on what's going on throughout the entire campus. She shows respect for people’s space, their time, and their feelings.

Beta Academy is her own personal school. Her positive words lift up and affirm others. If a child is late, she meets them with encouragement: "Hello, beautiful. Your friends are going to be so happy to see you." If someone is having a difficult time, she listens to their story with her whole body. When a mother has a new baby, she writes a congratulatory card. People in the hospital receive flowers because of her efforts. When a family’s car was broken into and things were stolen, she showed support by arranging a gift basket and free uniform polo shirts to help alleviate the financial strain.

Ms. Haygood has three children of her own enrolled in Beta Academy. She knows the battles to get kids dressed in the morning and help them finish their homework at night. One of her sons had severe health issues through the years, but she still faces life with that beautiful smile.

"Her boundless compassion and care spill over to the rest of us, and our lives are better because of her," said a friend. "She is the unofficial supermom of our school."

Comments (29)

Cynthia Ramos Posted over a year ago

The Ramos Household sends congratulations to an amazing individual. Mrs. Haywood has a heart of gold and a smile that never ends. Her commitment to provide great "parent service" makes her a priceless asset to Beta Academy.

Michelle Channon Posted over a year ago

I'm pretty sure Amanda's middle name is Angelic, Sincerity, Most Lovely, Most Delightful, Charming, Classy, Most Precious, Compassion, Elegant, Most Exquisite, Most Lovely, Grace or something close to that. Joy and love ooze outwardly from her soul and blanket our community like a hen spreads forth her wings to cover her chicks. Her zest for living is unparalleled and contagious. She is considerate and compassionate toward every person she meets and greets. In Her eyes every person is equally worthy of love and attention. She lights up every room she walks into. Scholars adore her and the entire campus loves her and appreciates the depth of value she adds to our daily lives. She is driven to offer her best, every day, every event, and at every opportunity for our school family, for her family, for her extended family, and her church family, and her community. You may find a rare equal, but you will never find better.

Ciara Johnson Posted over a year ago

Amanda is the firecracker to my day! There is not a day that goes by that she doesn’t check on me, make me laugh, or ask about her favorite little super hero,Cy. She makes coming to work such a joy not only for the staff, but the heart she has for each and every scholar along with their family is phenomenal! She makes their first experience at Beta so memorable! Amanda recently came in my office weeping her head off about how she hates this pandemic because she can’t see “her tiny humans.” In that moment, you could feel her genuine love and passion for our community! We LOVE you Mrs.Amanda!

Laura Vazquez Posted over a year ago

Amanda is an awesome soul, she delivers answers on time and efficiently, she makes sure you get a response via phone or email, she was a big help with all the Tommy Hilfiger uniform orders. She is a multitasker for sure, we love her dedication and service to Beta Academy, she definitely deserves the award. ??

Adriana Sanchez Posted over a year ago

AMANDA IS THE MOST HAPPIEST PERSON I HAVE EVER MET! SHE IS ALWAYS CHEERFUL AND READY TO HELP ALL OF US PARENTS WHO COME TO THE FRONT OFFICE. WEATHER SHR IS TAKINGA KID TO CLASS OR GETTING YOU KID FROM CLASS SHE ALWAYS DOES IT WITH SUCH PLEASURE AND LOVE! NOT ONCE HAVE I SEEN AMANDA FRUSTRATED OR STRESSED! SHE TRULY MAKES ME WANNA CALL THE OFFICE JUST TO SAY HELLO! AMANDA HAS SHOWN MY KIDS LOVE AND COMPASSION! LIKE IF THEY WERE HER OWN. THIS IS WHY I LOVE BETA! BECAUSE THEY MAKE SURE TO HIRE THE CORRECT PEOPLE!

Lizette Cruz Posted over a year ago

Ms. Amanda has been exceptionally helpful all year round, anytime Ive had a question she responds in the most cheerful way. She has a very happy positive attitude and and is eager to help. During this pandemic she has been more than helpful finding ways to accommodate my family. Iam very grateful she’s a part of Beta!

Brenda Garza Posted over a year ago

Oh my goodness, I don’t know how Ms. Haygood does it! She is an absolute joy every time I see her. She has the best manners and personality that Beta could ever have in the front lines. She truly is amazing in every which way and I am so thankful that my son gets to attend a school where great individuals like her are part of his education. You really are a life changer!

Bunni Lotspeich Posted over a year ago

Ms. Amanda deserves this award! She ALWAYS has a smile on her face, you can even hear it over the phone. Anytime I need clarification on anything or have a question, she is ready to help. If she doesn't know the answer, she will find out who does. Totally involved in her work, the scholars, the parents, the teachers and her own kids. Big hugs and high fives to you!

Codi Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Amanda has always been cheerful and happy she is the first face you see when you walk into the office. She helped me with a ton of school information when first enrolling my prek child and making sure that everyday was a great day. My daughter constantly ask when she can see Mrs. Amanda and that she misses her beta family. We are forever grateful for the help and happiness Mrs. Amanda brings.

Teresa Posted over a year ago

Amanda is always there ready to help with anything that is needed, she's friendy and efficient.

Kendra Posted over a year ago

When your job isn’t a job, but your passion, that is when true magic begins. Amanda sprinkles magic into each day at Beta. She cares about the smallest of details from writing heartfelt rhymes to match the gift she put together for someone, to living for the days that she can dress up with our scholars (e.g. Disney Day, Western Day, Robot Day...etc.) because she loves it just as much as they do! There is nothing that is “impossible” to this superwoman because she will find a way to brighten the day of those she encounters even if it takes her all evening to devise the perfect plan.

Kortney Johnson Posted over a year ago

Amanda is so hard working and amazing. Her smile can light a room and her heart is so big! She goes above and beyond for our scholars and Beta. I am so blessed to know her. We love you!

Hanh Perzigian Posted over a year ago

Amanda, Zoe was so scared on her first day of school at Beta. I was a bit nervous for her also. At the end of the day, one “rose” of her day was that you not only said hi to her (with your winning smile, of course) once during the course of the day but you acknowledged her by name. Zoe couldn’t make sense of how someone already knew her name when it was only the first day of school. Your “small” gesture gave Zoe the blessing of feeling special and being able to carve out an identity for herself as a scholar at Beta. I have no doubt that you have blessed all of Beta’s scholars in one way or another. You are a Life Changer!!

Eric Risley Posted over a year ago

Amanda is so much more than a secretary... she is THE BETA AMBASSADOR. Amanda is so passionate about the school and especially the scholars that her positive energy radiates where ever she goes. Her love for the scholars shows and leaves the parents with a great feeling that our children are in good hands. She always recognizes you by name and has such a genuine kindness. This along with so much more as you can tell from the many other comments, is why she deserves to be the life changer of the year!

Nancy Posted over a year ago

She sure is Amazing! The way she is with the kids is unbelievable! She was there for Hector (k scholar) and I, cannot express the comfort I felt that day. She understands the scholars aswell as the parents and goes above and beyond when giving a helping hand. Bit of my scholars (Alina/Hector) speak highly of her. Thank you!!

Deena Jabr Posted over a year ago

3 weeks before I started working at Beta, I had called the front office to finalize preparations for my first day. Amanda answered the phone. Her enthusiasm and excitement for me coming to work at Beta was so warm and welcoming! Everyday I enter the office, she has such a big smile and is always ready to greet me! She is just a joy to be around!!

Sarah Hutchinson Posted over a year ago

Amanda is such a wonderful person. She will make anyone’s day brighter with her radiant smile and her kind “ good morning beautiful”. She is one of the most hard working people I know. She putt so much work and time into our scholars lives at Beta. She is so truly deserving of this.

Jean @ Emma Fullbright Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Amanda is an amazing person she understands anything that you need help with. Last Friday Beta Academy came to our area where we live and stopped by our house when Emma came outside and saw Ms. Amanda it put a big smile on Emma and Emma and Amanda gave each other a social distancing hug. I am very thankful and grateful for Ms. Amanda and what she does for her friends, and the Beta Academy community! Thank you very much Ms. Amanda Haygood!

Selina Villarreal Posted over a year ago

My name is Selina Villarreal , I have Four kids at Beta Academy Marlon, Hailey ,Arian & Analia. I love Ms Haygood. She is amazing and so kind hearted . She is always super helpful in anyway she can be. We all love Ms Haygood in our home ??

Monty Posted over a year ago

Amanda is a beautiful spirit to whom people gravitate. She is warm, loving, authentic, compassionate, and has a genuine interest in everyone that enters the door at Beta Academy. Her smile and enthusiasm is contagious! She is a shining light and she is so appreciated! We love you, Ms. Haygood!

Lindsey Crump Posted over a year ago

Amanda is the epitome of a gentle spirit and a joyful heart. She quietly serves our school working behind the scenes to orchestrate beautiful, heartfelt moments for our teachers, parents, and scholars. She never complains, and, even when there are bad days (which are inevitable), she conquers them with grace and a smile. Thank you for loving all of us at Beta so well! We are blessed to know you.

Josh Garduno Posted over a year ago

Spend a few minutes in Beta Academy's front office and you'll understand why Mrs. Haygood is deserving of this nomination. Attend a Beta Academy family night event and watch as parents connect with her. Mrs. Haygood is the epitome of empathy and care. She's the star of Beta's staff and deserving of any nomination.

Karissa McLendon Posted over a year ago

Amanda is such a joy to work with! She is always telling me that she has the best job on the planet and you can tell that she really means it in everything she does. Her passion and love for the scholars, families, and Beta community is so apparent - there is not a moment that she doesn’t have a smile in her face or cheerfully greeting everyone who walks through the doors at Beta. She goes above and beyond to help everyone. If there was ever a person who deserved this award, it’s definitely Amanda!!!

Elizabeth Moreno Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Amanda is amazing at all she does! She is always cheerful ready to help and conversaré when I stop by the office. She goes out of her way to help. Thank you! We really appreciate the hard word and dedication. We live out in Manvel and she doesn’t make us go back. She takes care of everything we need while we are there.

Jessica Posted over a year ago

I remember the first day I met Ms. Haygood, she was not yet an employee at Beta. Her kids were new to Beta, We happened to have a booth right next to each other for the Halloween trunk or treat. We instantly became friends. I had a newborn baby and she loved on her and helped me figure out the Ergo baby carrier. She is so friendly, loves big and has such a caring spirit. She greets everyone with kindness. She brings so much joy to the office when you walk in and makes you feel so welcomed and loved. Ms. Haygood is a friend to all.

Karissa Posted over a year ago

Amanda is amazing! She is always so full of joy and love and it shows in ever single thing she does. She is always telling me how much she loves her job and you can tell! She definitely puts her all into it. I love working with Amanda, she is guaranteed to put a huge smile on everyone’s face that she sees.

Erika Hidalgo Posted over a year ago

Good morning, there is no one more deserving of this amazing award. Mrs. Haygood is a ray of sun light! She always has a smile on her face and greets you with the warmest words. We have 4 children that attend Beta Academy and this past summer in July my husbands truck was stolen right out of our driveway. That day we had plans to go try on uniforms. She welcomed us with a smile, hugs and very nice words. She loves our babies! She asked the kids how their summer was going and of course they told her about my husbands truck being stolen that morning. She looked at us with tears in her eyes she was hurting as much as we were. She praised us for being wonderful parents and still having a smile on our faces for our kids. She went on to tell us that it was amazing with everything going on we were still there trying on uniforms and putting our children first. We left with tight hugs and word of encouragement that everything was going to be fine and she was absolutely right! On our way home I received a phone call from Mrs. Haygood saying with everything going on Beta Academy wanted to Bless us with 4 uniform polo shirts 1 for each of our kids to help with the financial burden. We are so grateful for what she does. She does it whole heartedly! We love Mrs. Haygood, her smile, her hugs and her positive words! Thank you for everything you do Mrs. Haygood!

Tiffany Posted over a year ago

I am SOOO happy someone did this for you! I didn’t even know something like this existed. I know you love your job and everyone of those kids, and they are SO lucky to have you be apart of their life!

Shannon Dunlap Posted over a year ago

She’s truly a life changer, and it’s an honor to work with her. Even during the stay-at-home orders, she continues to spread love and joy in our school family.