LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jacob Garrison was nominated by an anonymous parent of a student.

How does one even begin to touch on the ways that Mr. Garrison has influenced students, both past and present? It is an unsurmountable task. It's educators like Mr. Garrison who influence so many, students, fellow staff, and parents. They'll remember him for years to come and appreciate the impact he had on the lives of others.

Mr. Garrison wears many hats in his small, rural school district. He teaches science to all 8th graders in his district, as well as coding, 3D printing, and robotics as elective classes. Mr. Garrison is also the mentor for the middle school FIRST robotics teams. This year, he's taking a leading role in helping others learn how to use Schoology, particularly staff, as everyone faces the challenges of education during COVID-19.

What stands out about Mr. Garrison is that he's able to reach and connect with all students, especially those who might not always connect with everyone else. He connects with students who may learn in a different way, and he recognizes that they have great skills and abilities that might need a different approach to shine.

"I have had two students who have really connected with Mr. Garrison, both in his classroom and through the afterschool robotics program," said the nominator. "He has helped them develop leadership skills, coding skills, and many other experiences that will help them throughout life."

"My youngest child is currently in Mr. Garrisons class for coding. This is a new elective being offered in our district this year," said the nominator. "Every day, my son comes home excited about what he has learned in class, and he talks about how he plans to use these skills in his future. After a few weeks in class, he excitedly told me one day that he had learned more in Mr. Garrison's class than in all of his other classes combined. It was due to the connection, drive, and enthusiasm that Mr. Garrison shows in class every day. He makes his class relate to real life, and he continues to find new ways to challenge my son and all of the other students within his classroom."

Students who are no longer in his classroom come back to volunteer and mentor in the robotics program due to the positive influence he has had on their lives. He continually makes a difference on a daily basis. He is an asset, not only to his district, but to everyone whose lives he touches, whether he realizes it or not.

"As a parent, I'm beyond thankful my children have been able to be in his classes and learn and grow from those times," said the nominator.