LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Galen Gingerich

Position: Principal
School: Nevin Coppock Elementary School
School District: Tipp City Exempted Village Schools
City, State: Tipp City, OH

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Galen Gingerich was nominated by Megan Courtaway, the parent of a student.

"This man is utterly amazing, and one of the best educators I have ever known," said Courtaway. "Thursday morning, my daughter, Charley, woke up telling me she wasn’t feeling good and that her head and stomach were hurting. After the day we had before, I knew something was working up in her. She and her brother were officially adopted Wednesday, and for the first time in a long time, they met their birth father. My husband and I knew this would cause a few issues, but nothing like what happened Thursday morning."

"Charley started to have an anxiety attack after dropping her brother off, and she refused to go to school," said Courtaway. "I fought with her for 30 minutes to get her to go past my car...It didn't work. I went back to my car, called the office, and told them what was happening with Charley. The lady on the phone told me to hold on, and that Mr. G would come to talk to her. A few minutes later, Mr. G came out and tried talking Charley into coming to school. Still didn’t happen, so Mr. G asked her if it would be okay if he walked her to school on Friday. She said sure."

"Fast forward to Friday," said Courtaway. "It was about 8:32 AM, and Charley said 'Is Mr. G here?' I said 'Hang on. Let me look outside.' I didn’t see him, so I called the office to see if he had left yet. The ladies in the office said he was out of the office right now. I said that he told me to call so he could walk Charley down to school. The lady on the phone said, 'Oh honey, he’s on his way down. Don’t worry, he’s coming to get Charley.' I thanked the lady on the phone and hung up. I told Charley to go outside, and Lashea Remmy was right behind her. We looked down the road and there he was, walking down the road to walk Charley and Lashea down to school. He stopped and talked to my son for a few minutes because Bryant had him last year."

"With all the principals I have had over my lifetime, I know that Tipp City has a gem in Mr. G," said Courtaway. "He loves every one of the kids he encounters. I know we are in a weird time and everything is crazy but this is something that needs to be shared. Thanks to him, my daughter will have this lasting memory of this school for years to come. I am so glad that he is her principal. Since this happened, he has personally walked two other children who were also having a challenging time into school. He cares so much, and the community loves him here."

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Comments (10)

Jennifer walker Posted over a year ago

My kids love him. He carries a smile and love with him wherever he goes!

Les Petro Posted over a year ago

Mr. G is truly an asset to this school district. From the morning smiles, jokes and fist bumps to the confidence he instills in his students! He warms more hearts than the kids!!He's the type of principal you could ever hope for. I'm very grateful for the caring and genuine person he is!

Atha Margaret Toon Posted over a year ago

Mr. Gingrich is the most loved and appreciated principal that has been in the Tipp City, Ohio School system. My children range in ages 43 to 47. They went to Nevin Coppock School and the principals were very nice but none ever called my children to wish them a Happy Birthday. My two grand daughters have gone to Nevin Coppock and Mr. G calls them by name, ask them about their parents. He is there to greet them in the morning and the afternoon if possible. You can see him with his camera at events or holiday parties which he posts on Nevin Coppock School's website. He has breakfast with children that have been selected as good citizens. He knows each of the children's name, their siblings and their parents..I have been told that he is a gentle disciplinarian that is very effective as the children do not want to disappoint Mr. G. I am amazed and very appreciative to him for helping to give my grandchildren a positive experience as they begin their school years. May God bless Mr. G. and Tipp City School.

Jill Price Posted over a year ago

I witnessed Mr. G helping and encouraging this little girl into school. My granddaughter also struggled going to kindergarten cause she did not attend preschool or daycare. Mr. G greets and fist bumps every student entering the school and the kids look forward to this. My granddaughter now looks forward to going to school everyday. He genuinely cares about his students and teachers. He is so deserving of this award!

Brittasha Thompson Posted over a year ago

Mr. G was in the assistant superintendent role early in my career as a teacher for Tipp. I was blown away that he seemed to know the name and background of every kid in the district, and he always took the time to call them by name and check in to see how they were doing. Likewise, he did the same with employees. He was always there to give encouragement and remind us of our why. When I was having a particularly difficult day, I remember him sharing a quote with me that a student had just shared with him. It fit my difficult situation perfectly and was just the reminder I needed. I will never forget the quote or his kindness, and I’m thrilled he has moved back to the position he absolutely loves, where he shines the brightest. Mr. G is just the best, most genuine kind of person, and I’m so glad to see him receiving appreciation for all that he does!

Johanna Culbertson Posted over a year ago

Mr. G was very hands on with both of my kids - he knows their names and that they are related - he was my daughter's principle for 2 years, then 5 years later, he was my son's. On multiple occasions, he would send personal notes home with my son, or send him letters in the mail during COVID - and he ALWAYS included a note for Samantha. Both of my kids gush when they talk about him and are excited (like he is a movie star) when they see him outside of school. I just want to note that my kids are just like all the other kids at Tipp City schools - they don't require any extra special attention, and I have always felt that this was just the way Mr. G treats all his students.

Tina Putnam Posted over a year ago

Galen you have always been an amazing leader for our young people. They know they can trust you and count on you to make them feel safe and cared for. The things you do for your students without even thinking twice are extraordinary!!! Thank you for just being who you are!!! God bless you!!!

The Galloway’s Posted over a year ago

Mr. G is amazing! In my 16 years of teaching I have never met a principal like him. He treats every student as though they are someone special! He knows EVERY student in the district. He know about their hobbies and their family. He is what makes our district an amazing place for our kids!

Shannon Snipes Posted over a year ago

I am the mom of Kara & Abbie Snipes and you were the BEST principal for both of my girls! I also volunteered at the school and was involved in the Parent Group for the school, and you were always participating in our meetings and a fixture in the hallways during class changes or lunch, greeting students BY NAME and giving words of encouragement! You are an inspiration and role model for our students and we are fortunate to have you in our schools!

Heather Wead Posted over a year ago

My daughters had Mr. G many years ago, they are now a senior and freshman. They both still say how much they loved Mr. G and that he was the best principal. When my oldest had him we would be at school and he would say hi to her and then ask my youngest (who wasn't even a student there yet) by name, how she was doing. It was amazing that he knew all of his students by name AND their younger siblings who were not even in school yet. A couple years ago I was working the concession stand at my daughters high school softball game. Mr. G came to purchase something and asked me how Savannah was and if she was pitching that day. I was floored that he not only remembered my daughter and knew she was a pitcher, but that he remembered who I was! He truly cares about each and every one of his kids and not just his current students, but ALL of them, past and present.