LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Karen Dennis

Position: Retiring Third Grade Teacher
School: Sunrise Park Elementary School
School District: Palm Beach County School District
City, State: Boca Raton, FL

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Music that Describes Karen

Karen Dennis was nominated by her colleague, Angela Brent-Harris.

"Mrs. Dennis is pure love! She is a born LifeChanger. I have had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Dennis for almost two decades," explains Brent-Harris. "She is not only my colleague but a dear friend. She is a radiantly beautiful soul inside and outside. After all, Mrs. Dennis, also known as Karen Moe, was a Miss North Dakota and is known for competing in the 60th Annual Miss America Pageant (1980) and President Bioethical Commission (2011)!"

Mrs. Dennis is an amazing and top-notch teacher. She is passionate about teaching and touching lives. Mrs. Dennis always treated her students over the years as if they were her own flesh and blood. She is always happy-go-lucky and smiling with her effervescent and bubbly self. Mrs. Dennis is charismatic, warm, and loving to everyone who comes into contact with her. She is just a naturally happy soul. Mrs. Dennis truly has the Midas touch. She goes above and beyond always in every way for her school.

Mrs. Dennis has made such a remarkable difference year after year, not only in the lives of her students, but in every child at her school. The children stop by to visit her even when they have moved on to middle or high school. They remember her for the way she treated them with love and care. She would stop a student in the hallway if she saw them crying or looking sad or worried, and she would give up her break or lunchtime to solve whatever the problem was.

She is always volunteering at every school event in and out of school. She loves to partake in physical activities for the students, families, and staff during weekends and summertime, spearheaded by her school's P.E. teacher Ms. Mendoza. Mrs. Dennis shows up with a big beautiful smile on her face.

"She has formed tight bonds with the families in the community, and they all love and adore her," said Brent-Harris. "As I said in the beginning, she is pure love. She taught at Sunrise Park Elementary when it first opened its doors, and now she is ready to retire. We will miss her dearly, but I will stay in touch with her. I just love her. I always tell her that 'This Jamaican' loves 'My Norwegian friend' since her heritage is from Norway. Mrs. Dennis changes lives every day and leaves them smiling all the time. I love you, Karen Dennis, my Norwegian!"

Mrs. Brent-Harris provided this video to support her nomination for Mrs. Dennis: I'm a Teacher: An Educator's Anthem

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Comments (11)

brittany greyber Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Dennis goes above and beyond for her students. She helped tutor my daughter for several years and so grateful for all she did for us. She’s so deserving of this award and truly a life changer in so many ways. The love she has for her students and the deep passion to teach them in fun creative ways is unmatched.

Alyssa Cabrera Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Dennis was a God-send to our family while my boys were met with great challenges at a very young age. She was there for them/us every day at any time. I owe her everything. There will never be another Mrs. Dennis.

Viola Portillo Posted over a year ago

Mrs. Dennis is a very special person and a great teacher; I know it from experience. She taught kindergarten and third grade to my grandson, Alexander Gerber, and he is now 17 and performing excellently in high school. I will always be grateful to her. In addition, yes I also agree she has a lovely personality. I wish her a happy retirement well earned. I wish you the best Mrs. Dennis, and thank you!????

Amanda Morreale Posted over a year ago

I have only known Karen for 2 years, but it truly seems like I've known her my whole life!! She is such a positive light as both a teammate and a true friend! Karen is a true definition of a passionate teacher! She is always thinking of fun creative ways to get her kiddos engaged. She cares about each and every one of her students! Karen differentiates to ensure all her kiddos are always set up for success. As a collogue, she always participates and brings new ideas to the table! She is a TRUE team player, and will do whatever she needs for anyone at any time! Karen's bright smile and good morning hellos always make my day! She IS a LIFE CHANGER, because I can definitely say she's changed my life.

Anne Kim Posted over a year ago

I have known Karen Dennis for 15 + years. She has always brought fun and challenge to her students; they always value the time they spend with her. She is one of the warmest and personable faculty members on our staff and it is a pleasure to recognize her with the Life Changer nomination. Her enthusiasm and commitment to education will be sorely missed! Best Wishes Karen!

Eric Schwertner Posted over a year ago

This is my 1st and only year working with Karen at Sunrise Park Elementary. She was the first person I met at Sunrise while I was moving all of my teaching supplies into the school and I could tell we would instantly bond. Karen was a team player to our 3rd Grade Team and brought so much positivity to our school. She went above and beyond to meet the needs of each child in her class, and is talked about from her previous kiddos she has taught as well as the parents. Congratulations Karen and enjoy your well-deserved retirement! You've earned it, and we will miss you at #thebestschoolinpbc!

Jennifer nebenzahl Posted over a year ago

Mrs Dennis had my son Andrew for kindergarten and then again in 3rd grade!!! To have her once is terrific, but to be lucky to have her twice, we hit the jackpot!!! Karen, we wish you nothing but the best in your retirement. We will miss having you in boca, but there is always Facebook!! Good luck. Xoxo.

Rhonda Falk Posted over a year ago

There are teachers that students will remember and concurrently there are teachers that colleagues and friends will remember with great fondness. Karen Dennis is a colleague (and friend!) who begins each morning with her "Greetings and salutations!" No morning is complete unless Karen stops by to wish me and other colleagues well and inquire about the upcoming day. She is a go to professional when one needs assistance on an academic endeavor and a lean in to friend when one needs encouragement. She has a particular passion for science and with all academic subjects readily shares her ideas and projects. It is no surprise that she has been nominated as a LifeChanger. Imagine twenty plus children a year times a lifetime spent teaching. There will always be a ripple effect to her dedication and love of learning and teaching.

Gloria Gibson Posted over a year ago

I was sooooo lucky that Karen decided she was interested in robotics and offered to “help”! I grab her and got her hooked on FIRST Lego league—the first year as my assistant and then the following year she coached her own team —as a ROOKIE team they received an invitation to the Razorback Invitational tournament where her team competes with 80 teams from around the world……she gave those kids an experience they will never forget—that’s what a life changer does! What do I personally admire the most about Karen Dennis? That she treated me as her equal (and as HER mentor)—that’s usually something that doesn’t happen between teachers and support staff (I was the Afterschool Director) and she was always ready to jump in and help when needed

Karen Dennis Posted over a year ago

I am so honored to be nominated! I am especially honored to be nominated by Angel Brent Harris who I consider to be a top- notch teacher!

Jennifer A. Posted over a year ago

Karen embodies what many look for in a teacher. She is dedicated to seeing her students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Karen believes in her students and always seeks to provide a variety of ways for students to succeed. She’s creative and energetic, motivating her students to keep going, even if things are hard. She’s a supportive colleague who loves to collaborate and learn with her peers. I believe is truly a LifeChanger.