LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Holly Fissel was nominated by her colleague, Josh Gallagan.

Ms. Fissel is an integral part of her school. She takes on any issue that comes her way and helps students solve some of the most complex problems. Over the last two years, COVID has really complicated school culture. At Delaware Area Career Center, just like all over the United States, guidance counselors have absorbed the brunt of this. Ms. Fissel has handled this with grace and positivity.  She inspires each student who walks into her office, and she not only gives them a reason to continue to try hard, but inspires them with hope, as well. 

Ms. Fissel also coordinates an amazing group at her school called ROX.  ROX is an organization that stands for Ruling Our Experiences.  ROX provides young women at DACC with an opportunity to meet each week with Ms. Fissel and her colleague, Mrs. Cox. Together, they look at different issues affecting young women and how they can take control over those experiences. They are given a playbook of options and choices that they may not have been aware of before.

"I have had several young women participate in ROX with Holly, and they've had life-changing experiences," said Gallagan. "One particular student really struggled with self-confidence and finding her voice.  After reluctantly participating in ROX, she had a great experience and found confidence and a voice.  She is now at Ohio State pursuing a career in journalism, and she's also a camera operator for Ohio State Football and Basketball. She has become a dynamic young woman, and a lot of this is because of the time she spent under Ms. Fissel's mentorship.  

"What is most impressive is that Holly does this as a single mother of two young children. I am not sure how she brings the energy she does each and every day to our school, but I, for one, am inspired by her and the professional that she is," said Gallagan.