LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Christopher Flagg was nominated by his school's senior director, Crystal Davidson.

Mr. Flagg is a LifeChanger in both his personal and professional lives. He is an usher at his church and is often seen assisting guests and current members in a variety of ways. He assists with the set up and take down of events, and he helps in any way possible on the church campus. Mr. Flagg always exhibits high moral and ethical standards in all facets of his life.

Mr. Flagg is the coordinator for the Build Your Future Apprenticeship Program at Orange Technical College’s Westside Campus. He supervises students with special needs in the field of welding. He works alongside the welding instructors to assure all safety measures are first and foremost on their list of priorities.

Mr. Flagg has worked at Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) for over 30 years and has proven time and time again that students with disabilities are employable. During his first year of employment at The Silver Star Center at OCPS, he and his colleagues were able to place 69 students in local jobs.

“He is an optimist and is clever and successful in finding roads to success in a variety of fields for his students,” said Kathleen Lepow, OTC Westside’s Curriculum Resource Teacher and Guidance Counselor.

“He is a hands on teacher who is patient, calm, and understanding," said Sherrall Applegate, one of Chris' colleagues since 1990. "His class motto remains: 'Work Smarter, Not Harder.' This is something he tries to instill in all of his students. He always breaks assignments down where his students can comprehend and master them. He has excellent parent engagement, too.”

“Chris always offers support to his colleagues and their students," said Robert Moody, the Building Maintenance Apprenticeship Coordinator. "He is considered a 'Working Instructor,' because he works alongside of his students while showing them how to take pride in their accomplishments and themselves.”

Mr. Flagg clearly classifies as a LifeChanger, not only for his current and past students, but for all who know and work with him. He demonstrates the characteristics of a great teacher by exuding confidence, sharing life experiences, and by recognizing what motivates each student to reach their personal goals.

During Mr. Flagg’s longstanding career as an educator, he has exemplified what it means to be a LifeChanger. He has a proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students while producing a nurturing atmosphere. He creates and maintains a positive school atmosphere and takes on leadership roles on his campus. Mr. Flagg has a record of excellent performance on the professional level while maintaining high moral and ethical standards