LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Tricia Lorence was nominated by her colleague, Charlotte Engelhart.

Mrs. Lorence lights up her school building with her smile and intense commitment to making a difference in the lives of her students. She takes the time to connect with each student's family by phone and visits homes when she sees that need. The needs of her students go beyond the curriculum and assessments. She is known for providing costumes, clothing, and shoes when needed. She loses no time in identifying students who need additional school support. Mrs. Lorence works well beyond the required contract hours.

Mrs. Lorence is that staff member who, over time, has collected just the right little treasures to sneak into the staff mailboxes or place by their doors. She has made beautiful meals for the custodial staff and given them tokens of appreciation on special occasions or just to show them appreciation. Mrs. Lorence sees when staff are gone and texts them to ask if everything is ok. She puts the expression "above and beyond" on a completely different level than the norm, and her building is better because of her nurturing kindness. 

Mrs. Lorence's students absolutely adore her, as do their parents.

"Our building staff have always been like a family, but Tricia adds something nobody has ever taken to this level. She doesn't expect recognition; she doesn't have time. After dropping off something well before school starts, she's back in her classroom preparing for the lessons of the day. In the back of her mind, I guarantee she is already wondering how she can share more school love for another team or student," said Engelhart. "Mrs. Lorence is our LifeChanger of the Year, no question."