LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Betheny Brown was nominated by her colleague, Rene Yoesel.

"Mrs. Brown changed my life! She positively changed the lives of every student and staff member with whom she worked," said Yoesel. "Mrs. Brown was the last building principal with whom I had the pleasure to serve in my 33 years as an educator and school counselor. When I hear the phrase, 'they save the best for last,' I immediately think of Mrs. Brown. I fondly remember her passion to make life better for the Orchard Farm and Discovery Elementary students, parents, staff and community."

Mrs. Brown ensured that Discovery Elementary was a safe, nurturing environment. She inspired a love of children and learning in all of her colleagues. Honoring the diversity of each student was paramount in her leadership and ethical values. In her words, "Children come first." She was an unsung hero; she would always give credit to someone else and sing the praises of everyone but herself. You might not see her name in lights and on headlines, but you can be sure she was the catalyst, the cheerleader, and the inspiration behind all of the wonderful things happening for kids at Discovery Elementary.

"As the school counselor, my workload was overwhelming, but every day, Betheny asked 'how are you doing today' and 'is there anything I can help you do,'" said Yoesel. "She had an open door policy and made everyone feel valued and supported. COVID-19 has prevented me from providing a video, but if I could, you would see a school principal who was out of her office going above and beyond.

Mrs. Brown has done so much for her school, including:

• eating lunch on the roof of the building for academic support;
• dressing up like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz to support staff/students on a dress up day;
• joining social-emotional small group lessons in a tent in the foyer;
• greeting every student personally as they got off the bus;
• assisting second grade school ambassadors in roping off the parking lot for Veterans Day parking;
• handing out ice cream for track and field day;
• spending countless hours helping to acquire and wrap holiday gifts for needy families to ensure every student felt included during the holidays;
• promoting "chew and chat" day at lunch in support of the national movement to promote connectedness;
• meeting each parent during Kindergarten Bash;
• promoting STEAM family events;
• bringing in Marshall the Miracle Dog to teach students about bullying and being different, and;
• hosting a variety of events, including Special Olympics, family trivia nights, "one or two marshmallows" cocoa and conversations chats for DES families, faculty and staff, and a disabilities education day.

The list goes on and on. This was in addition to her duties as a building principal and educational leader.

"I am so very thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know Betheny behind the scenes," said Yoesel. "Her humble approach is a testament to who she really is. Many people don't know that Betheny was regularly the first one to dig in her purse and donate money to "anonymously" provide funds for students who would not be receiving hot meals due to an overcharge in their lunch account. She bought supplies out of her own pocket to help with small group "lunch bunches" and manners groups. During Book Fair week, she made it a point to somehow acquire "free" tickets that could be used for students who would otherwise not have had the opportunity to "shop" at the book fair. I could list literally hundreds of these types of student-centered ideals that Betheny promoted, but will simply say I have learned so much. Discovery Elementary students have gained so much from her kindness, insistence of inclusion, fairness, and love that she had for all children."

"Even though I retired from Discovery Elementary many years ago, I still enjoy catching up on the Discovery Facebook page to see that Mrs. Brown continues the wonderful opportunities for all children," said Yoesel. "Seeing the smiling faces of the students and staff gives me a warm feeling knowing that Betheny continues to change the world, one student at a time! While I am so very happy for Mrs. Brown in learning that she is officially retiring this year, I am also saddened that a host of young minds will not have the opportunity to enjoy her leadership and passion for helping them be the best that they can be!"