Laura Nesbitt
Position: Retiring Counselor
School: Fort Gratiot Middle School
School District: Port Huron Area School District
City, State: Fort Gratiot, MI
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Laura Nesbitt was nominated by her principal, Alycia Shagena.
Mrs. Nesbitt is one of, if not the most, compassionate, empathetic employees you could ever meet. Mrs. Nesbitt doesn't wait for students to come to her. She anticipates their needs and reaches out to them. Mrs. Nesbitt establishes strong relationships with all students by being visible in the halls and classrooms. She often sends personalized notes to students and parents through the mail and email. She even sends notes to former students that are at the high school to check on them or congratulate them on things she has read in the paper or school newsletter!
Mrs. Nesbitt is a thrift shopper. She grew up in a large family and knows what it's like to have to stretch a dollar. On Mondays, she can often be seen carrying in bags of items she has purchased for students, such as hygiene items, socks, and clothing. She delivers food to students in need, even trudging through the snow after hip surgery to deliver a turkey to a family that didn't have a car. While virtual, Mrs. Nesbitt scoured over attendance and grade reports and reached out to families she had concerns about, calling day and night to make connections.
"Mrs. Nesbitt is my go-to person when I need to talk through how to handle various situations with a parent or family," said Shagena. "Her experience, education, and knowledge make her an excellent resource for our school."
"We could compare Mrs. Nesbitt to her favorite flower, a sunflower," said Shagena. "Sunflowers are known to be happy flowers, the perfect gift to brighten someone’s day. Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity. They seek out positivity and strength, and they bring good luck and lasting happiness. They have the ability to provide nourishment and vibrancy. Mrs. Nesbitt is the sunflower at FGMS."
Words can't adequately express what Laura brings to our school environment. She is a go getter! She works tirelessly to make sure things are done completely and effectively; thinking of every detail. She is caring and compassionate but not afraid to speak her mind; always with a smile! She has been my rock along the way, as it is her spirit to make sure we are all cared for. Her enthusiasm, energy and honesty make her an ideal employer, colleague and friend. Congratulations, Laura!
I work at my grandsons school in San Diego. If we were only so lucky to have had Laura Ann or Mrs. Nesbitt at our school it would just have been the icing on the cake! She is just one of the most positive upbeat person I know. She deserves only the best!!
Mrs. Nesbitt is the most deserving person I know for this Life Changer of the Year Nomination! She was not only my 1st grade teacher but also my guidance counselor in middle school. Truly the kindest, most caring, and inspiring educator I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for the past 26 years. I’m truly honored to have had the privilege of keeping in contact with her over all these years.
Mrs. Nesbitt is a wonderful example of a kind, caring, compassionate teacher, and a true role model for her students, as well as new graduate teachers like my husband. She made a lasting impression on my life 28 years ago as my first-grade teacher, and her love and commitment to the field of education have not gone unnoticed all these years later. She is so deserving of this Life Changer of the Year nomination as she has truly left a mark on the many lives she has touched through the years.
Laura cares for the people in her community, is always there to support them and this extends to her students and their families. She speaks with passion when she talks about her school, colleagues and students. This may be her final year but she has approached it with the excitement of a brand new educator. Her positive attitude, commitment to helping others and true love of her career over the years has no doubt made her an excellent choice for this Life changer of the year nomination.
Laura Nesbitt, to put it simply, is someone you definitely want on your team. She goes above and beyond the call of duty to support anyone she encounters in ways they may not have even known they needed. This, of course, includes students and their families, but also her colleagues. It's been an honor and a privilege to work alongside her at FGMS.
Aunt Laura you are truly an inspiration and I can see why they nominated you for being a LIFE CHANGER! You brighten up the day with just your smile and provide such amazing guidance and support to not only your students and staff members but to your family. You inspired me to purse my own passion for education as I always admired your dedication to your school and students. Your passion and love for education and guidance for our future leaders is truly remarkable. You have given so much of your heart to helping others and it shows. I can only hope to someday follow in your footsteps and make a difference in my students lives, like you have done for some many years. This is a well deserved nomination.
Laura is the most passionate, positive person I have ever had the pleasure of being around. She cares deeply about her school, the students and her community. I feel incredibly lucky to have her as a co-worker and a mentor. Through her I have learned how to better support my students and coworkers. She is full of energy and kindness, and is always there to lend an ear or a helpful hand. I have never met a more deserving person to be recognized for her positive influence and leadership.
It has been my true pleasure and honor to work alongside Mrs. Nesbitt for approximately 15 years of her career. Mrs. Nesbitt is all heart! She loves her students and has compassion like no other. Mrs. Nesbitt is a motivator and a mobilizer. If she sees a need, be it in the building at large, or with an individual student, she makes it her personal mission to meet the need. As Mrs. Nesbitt nears the end of her career, I can't think of a more fitting recognition for her. She truly has changed the lives of countless students simply by being the kind, compassionate, and caring person that she is. I have no doubt that she has been a "Life Changer" for many students.
Laura your nomination is well deserved. You have spent 31 years doing what you love and helping countless of students along the way. Not many people can say that they have made a difference in someone's life, but YOU can. You have many quality memories to reflect upon in your next chapter in life. You have made a difference and have left the Port Huron Area School District a much better place than when you started.
Again, Congratulations and continue to just be you.
I am proud to say I have known Mrs. Nesbitt for my entire life, and she has been there every step of the way. I have had the pleasure of being a student under her guidance as well as knowing her outside of school. I would consider her part of my extended family. She is always there to help others whether it is a student or another member of the community. Growing up Mrs. Nesbitt was there to give rides to school, sports practice, or any other extra curriculars even helping me when I moved to college. She had been there and supported me for all my big life events which has meant the world to me. Mrs. Nesbitt will always go out of her way to help others even if it's just a small gesture to brighten someone’s day, which makes her a vital asset to her school and her students. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this award as she has dedicated her career to improving the lives of others. Congratulations on an amazing career.
Laura is one of the hardest working, caring people that I have had the pleasure to work with. She is tireless, working for her students as their strongest supporter, while holding them accountable and modeling life skills that they can use forever. Laura is also a great team player, trying to make things better for her colleagues as well as her students and their families. Laura gives 150% and always goes the extra mile. I can’t think of a more deserving person to receive the Life Changer of the Year Award!
Laura always makes time for everyone: students, parents, and teachers. She has a heart of gold and works hard each day and advocates for kids who need it the most. ??
I have known and been a colleague of Laura Nesbitt's for over 25 years. I first met Laura when I was a brand new teacher, fresh out of college new hire. Laura was the experienced 1st grade teacher, who without being asked, immediately and generously took me under her wing! She was then, and has continued to be, enthusiastic, positive and professional. Her motto has always been ,"Be part of the solution, not part of the problem!". She has a wonderful rapport with students, parents and staff. It is not an exaggeration to say, everyone who knows her, LOVES Mrs. Nesbitt! Throughout her career Laura has touched and changed many lives of both students and colleagues and is an inspiration to us all! Congratulations Laura on a well earned retirement!
All three of our children have been impacted by Laura’s generosity, compassion, and passion to connect with kids inside and outside of school. She does this so well. Laura is an asset to our community.
Mrs. Nesbitt is truly one of a kind. She made my son's transition from elementary to middle school a breeze. She was always there to answer questions, offer advice, or lend a hand.
Heading into this school year, I was nervous trying to figure out the best schooling option for my son. I spoke with her on numerous occasions about what would be best for him. She gave wonderful advice and encouragement. She has helped make this year run smoothly. I can count on a reply from her within minutes, all hours of the day. I know this experience would not have been as great without her guidance.
Mrs. Nesbitt is always sure to send an email when report cards come out to say how proud she is of his accomplishments. I thought it would be tough to build relationships not being in school, but she has truly made this a breeze.
Mrs. Nesbitt made the middle school years a wonderful experience and we will be forever grateful. With another son entering middle school next year, I know I can count on her to make his transition a positive one as well.
I have worked for many years with Laura, and have seen her compassion and empathy for our students first-hand. Her concern for the welfare of each individual is clearly evident! I have always been confident that when I bring a student to her attention, I know that student will receive the best of care. I have watched as she calmly mediated disputes between students that ended with everyone feeling better about the situation, while preserving the dignity of all involved.
I know Laura does not seek the spotlight, or accolades, for her contribution to our school, but she deserves them nonetheless!
Laura is incredible to work with! She is my go-to person when I need advice on how to best support a student or communicate with a family. FGMS is so lucky to have her!
The comparison to a sunflower is the most perfect description! Laura has been my best friend for 35 years and she is truly the most positive person there is. She is so thoughtful and generous with her words, gifts, and, service to others. She will leave a void in her school district when she retires because she is one of those special educators that stands above the rest.
I had the pleasure of having Mrs. Nesbitt for an educator in first grade and as a school counselor in middle school! I have awesome memories still of her classroom and the support she showed my sisters and I in our middle school years. She has always been so friendly and understanding, even remembering the small stuff! Now even 12 years after high school, we still have maintained contact. She is still the same Mrs. Nesbitt she has always been.....checking in, offering advice and cheering on our life accomplishments! She is so deserving to be recognized as she has impacted so many students, families and the community over the years!
A few words that come to mind when describing Laura: warm, sincere, bubbly, high energy, enthusiastic, fun and friendly. Even after 31 years as a counselor, she is excited to come to work and gives her best every day. She doesn't show any signs of being "burned out". Laura is a HUGE advocate for the students and families that she works with and is always willing to go above and beyond to help anyone in need. You always walk away feeling more optimistic and encourage after being around Laura because her personality exudes positivity.
