LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Bernadette Charles was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

"Mrs. Bernadette Charles has served the Lawrenceville community as an educator, trailblazer, and all-around giver for almost 30 years," explains her colleague.

As a Guyanese native, Mrs. Charles moved to America with her mother for a better future and education. As she studied for her undergrad and Master's degree, she met her husband, with whom she's been together for almost 40 years. Once they both graduated, they relocated to Georgia from Brooklyn, NY to pursue their careers as educators in 1994. Always kind, giving, and opening their home and hearts to family, friends, or anyone in need, the Charles' formed a trusted community within the Lithonia area.

With her knowledgeable background and experience in professional education, Mrs. Charles quickly formed her own student body among the city of Lithonia and their local church. The school began with two students, then grew to four, then to 10. While Dr. Charles pursued his teaching career as a professor at various Universities in the state of Georgia, Mrs. Charles continued to expand their little school throughout the year, naming the entity Agape Jr. Academy. She has been an active owner and principal at Agape Jr. Academy for 21 years. Since then, she has remodeled three school buildings and has had an enrollment of up to 80 students with ten teachers. 

Parents within Gwinnett County have searched for and found Mrs. Charles' teaching specialty at Agape Jr. Academy. Specialized and certified in educating students with special needs, IEPs, and one-on-one assistance, Mrs. Charles has formed a safe space for these students to unite, learn, and be their whole uninhibited selves. Mrs. Charles has created a unique and communal sanctuary for Pre-K to 8th-grade students, embracing whole-brain teaching and learning throughout the curriculum. Agape Jr. Academy is known for their school's garden, Mrs. Charles' pride and joy, where students learn agricultural skills to cultivate their own foods. The garden provides a calming environment for students who need extra processing time and families who want to come and enjoy the lavish and luscious flowers and aromas.

Mrs. Charles has also developed a community and international outreach program for poverty-stricken families in the surrounding areas and her homeland in Guyana.

"While conducting school clothing and food drives for the less fortunate, she has also gotten the community of Lawrenceville involved with donating goods and getting active in the community," explains her colleague.

Mrs. Charles has been teaching this younger generation to give back to others while practicing gratitude and becoming better citizens of society. During and after the COVID economic crisis, Mrs. Charles converted her schooling into a hybrid learning program for students to feel safe while learning at home or in school.

Agape Jr. Academy is currently located in the heart of Lawrenceville and servicing 40+ students with four teachers.

"Mrs. Bernadette Charles continues to work tirelessly to provide for herself, her family, and her student body. She deserves to be recognized for her dedication and hard work," said her colleague. "It is immensely appreciated."