LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

« Return to Nominee List

Dennis Foreman

Position: Seventh Grade Science Teacher
School: Zane Trace Middle School
School District: Zane Trace Local Schools
City, State: Chillicothe, OH

Support Dennis Leave a comment Get Updates

Music that Describes Dennis


Dennis Foreman was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Eccentric, intense, and maybe even crazy are all adjectives you may hear throughout the halls of Zane Trace Middle School when students are talking about Mr. Foreman. And talking about Mr. Foreman is an everyday occurrence, as he has impacted the youth at this rural school in many ways.

For starters, some might believe Mr. Foreman resides at the school since he spends nearly all his time there. He juggles afterschool activities like a pro and models community service for his students like no other. In the fall, you'll catch him selling tickets for sporting events, rallying the troops of the teachers' union, organizing a class field trip, and sometimes coming off a spectacular once-in-a-lifetime trip to Mexico for his work with monarch butterflies. But that's not all.

As the cooler temperatures hit Ross County, you'll see Mr. Foreman supporting his student council members through programs that help the elders in nearby nursing homes. He leads food drives for needy families, sets up fun bonding events for his fellow teachers, and works endlessly with students to ensure successful science fair projects, while consistently motivating and encouraging them to meet their full potential.

Finally, as spring approaches, you'll notice him clad with a winter cap at the junior high track meets, where he has led the team to multiple conference championships. His unique ability to inspire average students to take a chance and join the track team has created a legacy of champions at the junior high level.  

Sure, he's loud and somewhat unorthodox, but his eccentric nature is one of the reasons adolescents are naturally drawn to him. The students at Zane Trace Middle School are truly blessed to experience a year-long adventure in seventh-grade science under the guidance of this incredible life-changing man. At the same time, his colleagues enjoy a supportive team player who works hard to encourage camaraderie in the halls and unity in the events of the educational association.  

"It is with a smile that I nominate Mr. Dennis Foreman for LifeChanger of the Year. Mr. Foreman deserves formal recognition for his commitment to his students and fellow teachers. Considering all the time and effort this man has freely given to this school, he undoubtedly has earned this title," said his nominator.

Comments (9)

Sam Posted over a year ago

Its not just this year, Dennis is the kind of person you remember where you were when you met him. He's been lifechanger of the year to many of us already just by being Dennis. He always cares, he always has time for you.

Tom Shea Posted over a year ago

A true motivator. I second his nomination.

Roxanna Posted over a year ago

Mr Foreman played a huge role for me growing up. I had a very hard time in school and ended up needing a different atmosphere to learn in. Mr Foreman brought me all my school work and always exchanged books with me to read. He made me feel normal at a very abnormal time in my life. He has helped many students in his career, but now as an adult and a resident of Pike County I've seen him play a major role in community projects here. He is truly a kind soul, compassionate human, and loyal friend. Thank you Mr. Foreman for all you do and the kindness and love you give to those around you!

Melissa Payton Posted over a year ago

Well deserved! Best teacher I know! Proud to call him my colleague and friend for over 20 years!

Brandon Posted over a year ago

Dennis really is a very special person with a heart of gold. I didn’t have the opportunity to have him as a teacher, but when I was in high school he always encouraged me to follow my ambitions of playing music. Later in life I was presented with the opportunity of playing music with Dennis which was the best of times.

Pam Mays Posted over a year ago

Mr Foreman would be my amazing brother . I was the manager at the Duchess Shoppe on High Street in Chillicothe, when I seen a Zane Trace student I would ask if they knew Mr Forman and I always heard positive comments, I also let them know I was his baby sister ?? I am 7 years older. He was a big help with my. Children when my husband worked away. He would help them with schoolwork if needed, have them help with chores around the house and when I would tell my children they were folding towels wrong he told me to keep quit and praise them for helping. Even with him being my baby brother he has advised me with a few different things in life , sometimes I wanted to choke him ??. Dad and I are proud of him and yes our sweet mom is looking down from heaven smiling.

Marilyn Ison Posted over a year ago

Dennis is the same person everywhere he goes & has never met a stranger that walks away without learning something new from him ! He’s a happy kind of guy that enfluences the youth with his over the top enthusiastic & zeal for learning , trying new things . We need more teachers just like him in every school !

S. Smith Posted over a year ago

The above nomination explains Mr. Foreman so well. We in the Zane Trace area are fortunate to have him in the school and community. His enthusiasm and zeal in everything that he is part of brings students and people together to learn, help and support all those around him. I agree, he has earned this title.

A Kern Posted over a year ago

Mr. Foreman is not only a life changer for our school but his community as well. Our kids are lucky to have such an amazing roll model. A simple thank you just doesn’t seem like it’s enough…Mr. Foremen…you ROCK!