LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kristie Heger was nominated by her colleague, Mary Ure.

"Kristie Heger changes lives. Every day, in big ways and small ways, she makes a difference for students, staff, and our community," explains Ure.

Mrs. Heger begins each day opening car doors for students as they arrive, rain or shine. She always has a smile and kind word for each student and a cheerful wave for every single driver. She is always ready to take an extra moment to help students with backpacks, carry in cupcakes, or offer a quick hug to help students start their day. On the day of her nomination, she stood in the road when a glass container broke to keep cars from driving on it until it could be picked up. This is just one example of her willingness to make each day better for others.

Mrs. Heger serves on the Building Leadership Team, where she brings her positive attitude and ideas for making the school atmosphere nurturing, caring, and fun. She is always open to trying new strategies to engage and elevate the staff and students. For example, she maintains a Favorite Things list for each staff member so that everyone can see what others would like for small gifts (such as candy or treats) to make their day brighter. She also supplies a stationary station where staff can send quick notes of encouragement or thanks to their colleagues.

"Kristie is swift to hop on board for new procedures and ideas that help our school," said Ure. "She is always ready to go the extra mile for anyone, whether it's by giving up plan time to cover classes when we are short-handed, or by taking on extra lunch duties during the pandemic so that students would be safe."

Mrs. Heger co-chairs a unique committee called Night at the Museum. This committee travels each summer to a different city or state to learn all about it. The following school year, Mrs. Heger and the other committee members present to the staff about where they visited, and they teach students about it throughout the year. Mrs. Heger recruits community members who have expertise or knowledge that goes along with the city theme. She sets up virtual field trips with experts from that city, as well.

In April, the school hosts a community event in which each classroom is transformed into a hands-on museum where students and their families can learn and play. Mrs. Heger spends countless hours preparing for the event. You might find her painting larger-than-life backdrops for selfies, calling for donations from local businesses, or researching STEM activities. This is her school's premier event, and the community looks forward to it each year. Students say they want to travel and experience the adventures available in the world because Mrs. Heger has shown how appealing it is to learn. Students' eyes are opened to the incredible opportunities available outside of their small community.

Every year, Mrs. Heger plants a school garden with her students. This hands-on activity gives her many chances to interact with students in a way that leads to conversations about caring for each other as they care for the environment. Students share that even if they have a bad day, Mrs. Heger will help them find a coping strategy and give them a minute to calm down and restart. Her classroom is clearly a place where students know they are valued and affirmed each day. 

"Kristie was elected Teacher of the Year in our district three years ago. Our staff noticed what a difference she makes in the lives of students, staff, and the community. She went on to compete at the state level, and while she was not chosen as the State Teacher of the Year, she learned so much in her time with the other nominees She brought these ideas back to our school, and she continues to be a shining example for all," said Ure.

Another area where Mrs. Heger makes a difference is on the Negotiation Committee for the district. This is not an easy committee to be a part of; there's always bound to be someone who doesn't agree with you. Mrs. Heger serves with grace and fortitude as she works to negotiate the staff's contract with the Board of Education. She is always available to answer questions and help staff members solve problems. She looks for inventive and amicable ways to solve many issues that come up between staff and the board. 

There is no doubt that Mrs. Heger is a LifeChanger in the community, as well. She teaches confirmation classes at the Catholic Church for students in seventh and eighth grade. She gives them examples of times she has struggled and how she has overcome problems through her faith. Mrs. Heger cares for each student, both in big and small ways. She lets students know she has their back, whether it's just a hug or a wave. She brings such an authentic, real-world faith into each lesson that students are drawn to her classes and leave with a better idea of what real faith and commitment look like in action.

In addition, Mrs. Heger has started to mentor FIRST Lego League teams after school. She encourages students to explore and solve problems using their Legos as a model to build a better community. 

"Overall, Kristie is a LifeChanger for the staff, students, and community. She continually searches for new ideas and ways to make our staff, students, school, and community a better place," said Ure.