LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jamal Walcott

Position: Assistant Principal
School: Longwood Senior High School
School District: Longwood Central School District
City, State: Middle Island , NY

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Music that Describes Jamal

Jamal Walcott was nominated by his former student, Betty Petkovski.

"There are many things I could say about Jamal Walcott, or as I prefer to call him, Mr. Walcott. When I went to high school at Longwood, he served as my Social Studies teacher for my sophomore and senior years. But everyone knows that Mr. Walcott is so much more than a Social Studies teacher. He not only educates his students, but he also advocates for them and is their biggest champion. I can personally attest to this," said Petkovski.

"In high school, I was not always so sure about myself, and some could say I even acted out a bit. I never acted badly enough to get into any serious trouble, but my attitude was nothing short of negative and pessimistic. Mr. Walcott noticed this about me and would take it upon himself to ask me how I was doing, what I had been up to, or if anything was bothering me. I was always surprised when he would want to know how I felt. Not many adults asked me how I really felt about anything as a kid," said Petkovski.

"What makes Mr. Walcott so special is that he wasn't just like this with me. Many students enjoyed conversing with him and often confided in him with personal struggles they faced or problems at home. His students look up to him because he's compassionate, understanding, empathetic, and most importantly, he listens," said Petkovski.

Beyond his relationships with students, Mr. Walcott has proven to be a champion for their learning. His strong belief in the power of educating students and providing them with the resources necessary to have the brightest possible futures is evident in the programs he has brought to life at Longwood.

"Since I graduated from Longwood in 2016, Mr. Walcott has moved up to Assistant Principal. His spirit and the way he advocates for his students and their education undoubtedly played a huge role in his accomplishment, but that did not slow him down," said Petkovski.

One of the programs he has since implemented is the "Academies of Longwood High School." Students are evaluated and categorized into different "academies" according to their likes, interests, and hobbies during their freshman year. Afterward, students are put through a recommended curriculum that aims to prepare them for life after high school, whether that's college, career, business, trade, or any other venture in those areas of interest that they identify with. This program also offers dual enrollment with nearby colleges and universities so that students can get a head start on earning credits towards a college degree while also earning their high school diploma. There are also programs for students who are already intrigued by a certain career, such as one where students interested in accounting/finance prepare taxes. These are just a few examples of the many ways Mr. Walcott has been a part of a process to do everything in his power to give his students as many opportunities and experiences as he possibly can. He is someone who truly cares.

"Lastly, I must say that if it were not for Mr. Walcott, I would not be where I am today. His consistent reassurance and confidence in me helped me see myself in a different light and as someone capable of amazing things. Knowing that someone always saw the best in me even when I didn't see it in myself, that someone noticed how I was feeling, and his acknowledgment of me as I grew older and built my confidence only made me shine brighter...In this way, and so many others, Mr. Walcott is a LifeChanger," said Petkovski.

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Comments (15)

Hailey Morgan Posted over a year ago

Mr. Walcott will always be one of the most memorable teachers I’ve had the privilege of having in Longwood High School. I cannot thank him enough for not only all he’s taught me, but the compassion he shows teaching his students. He put a smile on my face every day and had such a positive influence on my High School years. I couldn’t think of anyone else more deserving of this award!

Nathaniel Siniski Posted over a year ago

Mr. Walcott is nothing but helpful and kind to any student he interacts with in the halls even if he’s interacting because someone was acting inappropriately. He knows how to talk to us students so we feel respected and it gives students less of a need to feel to disrespect him. He loves to put smiles on our faces and make sure we’re having a good time while in school or at school functions and events. He is very much deserving of this award as he’s a huge part of influencing students here at Longwood positively in all grades not just the high school.

Brianna Kowalski Posted over a year ago

Whenever he interacts with students he’s always smiling. It makes it easy for people to go him with any help they may need. Even though I have never spoken to him one on one, I wouldn’t be afraid to. I’ve only ever heard positive things about him. It’s great to have someone like him when highschool can be so difficult. Mr. Walcott is definitely a person who deserves this award.

Nathaniel Siniski Posted over a year ago

Congratulations Mr. Walcott!! Very well deserved!

Meghan Cronin Posted over a year ago

I have worked with Mr. Walcott for just a few short years and have seen him go from classroom teacher to assistant principal. He has been my direct supervisor for the past 4 years, and working for him is such a joy. He is always so positive and welcoming, and is open to hearing any and all ideas that will bring new opportunities to our students. His number one priority is always the students, and the best part of his work day is interacting with them. I know how much he misses being in the classroom, but he can affect so many more students in his current role. I can't wait to see where his career goes and to see how many more lucky students get to be positively impacted by him. I know how lucky I am to work with him every day!

JaiCe Posted over a year ago

Mr. Walcott is a genuine and caring soul. He has this energy that is unmatched. Whether it's 7am or 5pm, Walcott is ready to teach, tutor, coach, encourage, inspire and support anyone. I cannot think of one other professor who has impacted more people both inside and outside of the classroom. Mr. Walcott is the epitome of what every faculty member in academics should strive to be. He is a fierce ally and a passionate person. Truly an icon that every Longwood student could tell a story about.

Heather Hinchy Posted over a year ago

I had Mr Walcott as my teacher for multiple social studies classes when was in high school 10 years ago and when I think of him, I remember him as one of the most approachable, personable, helpful and kindest teachers I’ve ever had. He forms relationships with almost all of his students and everyone has their own special connection with him. He makes students feel empowered to succeed and truly cares about his students success, inside the classroom and out. He truly is one of most selfless, positive and good hearted people I’ve ever known. He was born to do what he is doing.

Marissa Del Vecchio Posted over a year ago

Mr. Walcott is one of the most influential people I have come across as a student, but in life in general. The way he goes about life is truly inspiring. Always with a smile on his face, he is there for others and motivated them to be their best selves. Mr. Walcott, single handedly is responsible for my genuine enjoyment of learning and traveling, as he always challenged me to look beyond the lense of the normal and mundane way of life. He was a support for me when I needed it, and always had a way of bringing out the best in me academically and personally. He is the most deserving candidate of this award, as he truly changed my life for the better, in high school until now. BFD!

Kevin Newsom Posted over a year ago

Walcott embodies everything you want not only in teacher but in a human being. Not only is Jamal an amazing teacher/administrator, but he also finds the time to give back to his community by volunteering his time coaching youth athletics and being one of the pillars of his church. As someone who has known Jamal for over 20+ years I can tell his kind, caring, loving & helpful nature was exhibited and displayed long before he decided ok a career in education. I could not think of a better nominee than Jamal Walcott.

Tisha Cosby Posted over a year ago

This A well deserved nominations, you have touched the hearts of so many in this community, especially in my family. Continue to allow God to use you and lead you. Thank you for all you have done and will do. Your a amazing, son, father, husband, mentor, role model and friend.

Shannon McIntyre Posted over a year ago

To call Walcott a life changer is a understatement. I had the pleasure of having him in both day school and LAP. I unfortunately was diagnosed with diabetes my freshman year forcing me into the night program and my experience with Walcott made me not only grateful but truly educated and cared about me and where my life was going. High school is hard for anyone at any school but Mr. Walcott is a teacher I can never forget and always be thankful to say was one of the educators that truly made a difference in my education. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU

Stephanie Haufsk Posted over a year ago

Walcott is truly someone who cares and takes the time to make sure you’re in the place you need to be. I first met him in high school and his energy and personality just lightens up the room. I began to work close work his family and they just instantly became mine as well. 10+ years of being close with them and still today he lightens up the room and his energy has never changed. He’s so funny and so generous, and truly one of a kind. You deserve it all! So happy for you!

Samantha haufsk Posted over a year ago

Truly the kindest man I’ve ever met, would give his shirt off his back to a stranger if they needed it.

Lee & Rebeca Posted over a year ago

A life changer for sure! Seeing the best in everyone is who you are.

Taurie Drumgole Posted over a year ago

Walcott! Mr. Jamal Walcott is more than deserving of this award! I have known Walcott for over 20+ years! He has served several roles in my life; a daycare counselor, mentor, father figure, employer, teacher, friend and I would even consider him family! Over the years he has provided me with guidance and support through various obstacles in my life and has always been there to cheer me on through my success and achievements! Walcott is one of a kind! His commitment to his students and family is unmatched and he most definitely is a life changer! I wouldn’t be the woman, wife, mother I am today without his continued guidance, advice and support! Congratulations Walcott on this amazing nomination! I can’t think of a more deserving individual!