LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Michael Wells was nominated by his superintendent, Jeff Hendrix

As principal of Munster High School, Mr. Wells leads a high performing school that has been recognized by the Washington Post as one of the most challenging high schools in the nation. It was also recognized by Niche.com as the 5th best high school in Indiana. Additionally, Munster High is home to a 2017 Best Community Music Education Program, and the first AdvancED Accreditated STEM program for high schools in Indiana.

Mr. Wells consistently focuses on providing challenging academic opportunities for Munster High School students with numerous college dual credit programs and AP College classes. From a socio-emotional aspect, he instituted the Link Crew program, which helps students transitioning into the high school from another school corporation or from the middle school. Link Crew pairs these students with current high school students who act as mentors and friends. It has made a difference in the lives of many students as they learn the ropes of Munster High School. 

Mr. Wells has also provided numerous leadership opportunities for his teachers, who consistently provide professional development activities to other teachers in his high school during professional development days and late start days. He has recommended teachers to participate in two MBA/school administrator programs for teachers that are sponsored by Indiana University, Indiana State University and the Woodrow Wilson Foundation.

"The highest compliment I can give Mr. Wells is his honest, moral and ethical standards that he has set for himself each and every day to ensure that students and staff members are treated with respect," Hendrix said.

Mr. Wells focuses on ensuring that each student and staff member is challenged to do their best, every day.

"He believes that each student is deserving of the best educational opportunities, and that is why he continues to work toward keeping our academic and extracurricular opportunities strong," Hendrix said. "These are just some of the many reasons why I believe that Mr. Wells is truly a LifeChanger."