LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Andrae Bowen was nominated by his colleague, Delna Bryan.

"I would like to nominate Andrae Bowen for LifeChanger of the Year because he typifies the exemplary educator who goes above and beyond the call of duty to motivate young scholars/athletes to reach for the stratosphere and beyond each day," said Bryan. "He is a strong role model who teaches and shows how it can be done, both on the field and in the classroom."

"I met Coach Bowen when I arrived at Young Men's Leadership Academy in 2018," said Bryan. "My conviction that this outstanding teacher/coach needs this recognition has only been reaffirmed as I grew to know him and observed his interaction with his students and their parents. He has a strong school/community."

Coach Bowen works at an inner city school where 90% of the students are on free/reduced breakfast and lunch. He is a father figure for young men who come for homes with only a mother. He has been in meetings serving in loco parentis when there is a need to be there.

The school is located in Pleasant Grove, one of the toughest neighborhoods in Dallas. Coach Bowen goes above and beyond to be there for students, regardless of the difficulties they face each day.

"I remember being at the funeral for an innocent student who went home because of a drive-by shooting," said Bryan. "The student had gone to the corner store to buy candy. Who was at the parents' side that difficult evening? The Coach! I am not talking about a single man who does not have the responsibility of his own family. No, this is an officer and a gentleman who can easily combine the many hats he has to wear on a given day. With little effort, this caring and empathetic teacher/coach gets the job done, and done well."