Laura Coates was nominated by Katie Cravey, her colleague.
"Mrs. Coates goes above and beyond for our school, staff, and students", said Cravey. "She hears the upsetting parts of many kids' lives and does everything she can to help every student at BES. She always has a smile on her face and a nice thing to say! Mrs. Coates is an amazing person!"
When I was a first year principal Laura was always there with a kind word and beautiful smile. She encouraged me to stick to my beliefs and help me to turn that school around. Laura is truly a gem! She was always there to make a difference in everyone’s life.
Laura goes above and beyond every day as the school counselor. She assists children at their worst and does it with so much heart and soul. She makes this world a better place
Laura Coates is not just a school counselor to her students. She is a trusted friend, a loving caregiver, an exceptional educator, and person of action. She is dedicated to students and families who need a warm smile, an extra hand, a truthful voice, and a positive light to see the world.
During the pandemic shutdown, she spent countless hours worrying about students, safely delivering the necessities of life, critical schoolwork, medical help, and counseling.
We will never know everything that she has done in her life to change the lives of others. But we do know that she has pushed herself and sacrificed not just for her students, but for her family, her friends, and her community and country. She is raising two sons who are very involved in school and sports, while attending classes, and working full time. She is always leading as a volunteer for her church and in the community.
Everyone can count on Laura. She always goes the extra mile to make someone’s life better.
Laura was a lifesaver when my son was in elementary school. She helped him navigate school with his anxieties and was such a calming force for him at school! She's awesome and the kids love her!
Laura works at a sister school in my system. She does so much to help her students and everyone she meets. She is a problem solver and can do anything she sets her mind to.
Laura is a lifelong friend of mine, one whom I’ve called my family for many years. I met her at the beginning of her career in education. She is the sunlight to every day, she is the hope of yesterday that has turned into many possibilities that have bloomed today and will flourish tomorrow.
Laura guides young minds and hearts with her joyful spirit! She forever is smiling and her laugh is contagious!
When I think of my dearest friend , she is the sun rising on the horizon to warm up the day and give light to the world.
I met Laura about 16 years ago when we both worked at an elementary school in Fayetteville, NC. Laura was always caring, considerate, consoling and kind to all the children and staff. Anyone who was having a hard day could stop in to see her and know they had a safe place to share their worries or just have a calm area. She is an excellent candidate for Life changer of the year for her pure heart, thoughtfulness and true caring for all. Congratulations to you Laura and all the other nominees for always going the extra mile!
Laura is without a doubt the most precious soul I have ever met. She puts the needs of our students first and above all else. She always has the biggest smile on her face no matter what. I cannot think of another person more deserving.
I had the honor of working with Laura when she was a school counselor where I worked. She had a way of connecting with students and building strong relationships. She is a remarkable human!
Laura is a tremendously caring person. She goes above and beyond for her students and anyone else who she thinks needs help of any kind. She has the true heart of a counselor.
Laura is a shining star who is always smiling and doing good for others. She has a heart of gold and never meets a stranger. Her smile, love of children and work ethic is the reason she is a life-changer.
Since you were a young girl, you've always been an inspiration to everyone you came in contact with. You were always the one that everyone confided in and knew you would be there for them. Your years as a teacher and counselor have given you a platform to continue your gift of giving. When I watch you with children, you treat each one as if they were your own child with love and respect. "Treat others as you wish to be treated" says everything about Laura Coates. Your commitment to your community, your love for everyone old and young, your wonderful contagious smile and love of God makes you such a special gift to each person who meets you and those who have benefited from all you do behind the scenes. I couldn't be more proud of you as a person, a counselor, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a follower of God and one of the most giving persons I know. Your humbleness and love are a commitment to who you are and I know you will never stop fighting for each and every child.
Laura is the absolute most selfless person I have ever ever met. She has basically saved my life and helped more than I can ever tell her.
Ms. Laura is the embodiment of ‘serving children above all else.’ I’m convinced that she is the most selfless human on Earth. She has a community that admires her hard work and constant forward thinking. She is someone that I would think to call for advisement or best decision making. Laura is definitely a light that changes people for the better. Iron sharpens iron!
No one is more deserving of this award than Laura. Her love and compassion for ALL students is second to none. She serves tirelessly day in and day out. Her positive demeanor and caring spirit is such an inspiration. I’ve often told her; “When I grow up i want to be just like you!”
Laura always has a smile on her face. She’s always there to help students or colleagues. She’s outstanding person!