LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Joel Walton was nominated by a parent of a student, Chrystal Browning.

"My daughter had a rough start to her fourth grade year," Browning said. "I ended up pulling her out of our district and enrolling in White Pine. Mr. Walton was the polar opposite of my daughter's last teacher, and he made her year! He is patient, kind, supportive, and passionate about learning. He goes above and beyond for both the school and his students. Joel teaches a creative writing club after school every Wednesday. He organized a service project, and kids were able to help him fill in some divots in the grass at White Pine. He made a huge impact in my daughter's life, and I'll be forever grateful for him. Thank you, Mr. Walton, for making fourth grade so much better for us."