LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Craig Collins was nominated by his colleague, Kara Johnson.

"It has been an absolute honor and privilege to work with Craig Collins for the last 11 years," said Johnson."His undying passion, dedication, and massive heart for inclusion, acceptance, and respect for all students, especially students with special needs, has profoundly inspired me to be the best teacher I can be.  Over the last five years, I have worked with Craig to bring and spread inclusion throughout Trabuco Hills High School and Saddleback Valley Unified School District through the Unified Champion School program. Craig's support, leadership, and value in inclusion has forever changed the culture of our school campus, as well as 35% of the campuses in Saddleback Valley Unified School District. His support and leadership has allowed a culture of inclusion and acceptance for students with special needs on our campus in over seven programs, sports, activities, and clubs on our campus."

Five years ago, Trabuco Hills High School (THHS) became the first school in Orange County to become a Unified Champion School, implementing Unified Sports, Whole School Engagement, and Inclusive Youth Leadership for students with and without disabilities on campus.  What started as a dream to share and spread the message of inclusion quickly turned into an "Inclusion Revolution" that spread like wildfire.

The next year, with Mr. Collins' support and leadership, THHS offered a Unified Physical Education class for students with and without special needs for physical education credit – another first in Orange County and the state of California.  His belief and passion for inclusion made it easy for THHS to grow inclusive efforts.

"Establishing new programs and creating new courses are never easy, but Craig has always made it seem like it was," said Johnson. "Others tell me how lucky I am to have such a supportive principal. I know how lucky I am. I feel blessed and honored every day to work with an inspirational principal who supports and values inclusion. His leadership has changed the lives and mindsets of thousands of students, teachers, parents, colleagues, and community members."

Mr. Collins' endless support of inclusion didn’t stop with Unified Sports and Unified PE.  The Unified Champion School Program spread into nearly all departments on campus, including Unified Drama, Video Production, Art, Band, Music, Ceramics, Cheer, Varsity Sports, both curricular and non-curricular clubs, and ASB.  Last year, with Mr. Collins' support and initiation, THHS worked directly with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section to officially add Unified Track and Field to CIF SS. They not only added Unified Track and Field, but they hosted the CIF SS Unified Track and Field Prelim Meet at THHS.

"In addition to all of his support and leadership, I have worked with and participated in our inclusive efforts first hand with Craig," said Johnson. "He and I attended the National Unified Champion School conference in San Antonio, Texas in 2019.  We collaborated with teachers and administrators all over the US to find the best inclusive practices to bring back to THHS.  Under his leadership, we've won several awards including; 2019 GOAL Award for California, 2019 ESPN Top 34 Schools in the US Honor Roll, and the CSBA Golden Bell for our Unified Champion School Program. Most recently, we are a finalist for the Varsity Brands Believe In You Award- the most inclusive high school in the US."

"Our inclusive efforts go far beyond athletics and academics.  Our programs have changed the lives of each of our students, both with and without special needs," said Johnson. "I have seen thousands of students first hand in my Special Education Classes, Unified Classes, and Unified programs excel and grow in all areas – social skills, leadership, empathy, confidence, work tolerance, behavior, and so much more. They're making friendships that will last a lifetime, have opportunities to set and exceed goals for themselves, and strive to be leaders and role models, both inside and outside of the classroom."

Often times, Mr. Collins has been in the shadows of teachers and students in the inclusive programs.  He is truly the man who throws his leadership and undying support behind the movement. The best moments of each school year are his speeches on graduation night. Every year, he makes it a point to speak about Inclusion, Unified, Best Buddies, and the impact that inclusive efforts have had on the students at THHS. Mr. Collins has, and always will have, students' best interests at heart.  

"As Craig closes out his educational career and prepares for retirement, it is my honor to nominate him for Life Changer of the Year. This title truly defines him," said Johnson. "Some say we never meet our heroes or meet someone who inspire us to be better.  I'm honored and forever grateful to say I've met mine."