LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Ralph Adkins was nominated by Lisa Chavez, a parent of a student.

"Mr. Ralph Adkins is a complete LifeChanger," explains Chavez. "I just recently met Mr. Adkins this past year. My son decided to add Drama to his list of classes, and Mr. Adkins has completely changed him for the better."

While COVID restrictions were challenging for many students, Mr. Adkins brought back the ability for his kids to create and bond with each other in such a way that they did an incredible job this year. In his classroom, it's OK for students to jump in and be creative. He has encouraged his kids to be themselves and taught them how to create scripts, create backgrounds, and work as a group. He has created such a safe space for these kids in his classroom that it has made an incredible impact.

Mr. Adkins is continually at school until 9:00 or 10:00 PM during performances with these kids. His car is always the last one in the parking lot. The amount of dedication this man pours into these kids is amazing, and it is abundantly clear that he cares for each of them. Every day, Mr. Adkins demonstrates what it means to be a LifeChanger. Just walk into any of his classes, and you will see that he makes a positive difference and adds to the development of every child there. 

"This man embodies all of the things this award stands for," said Chavez. "He has truly given the district, his school, and most importantly, his students all of this and more. He truly is an incredible teacher, and while I don't know how long before he retires, I know that he will continue to teach, nurture, and help every one of his students grow until he does. I'm grateful that my son could have him as a teacher and that I have had the opportunity to meet him."