LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Rachel Hand-Perine was nominated by her colleague, Katie Grauer.

Mrs. Hand-Perine is one of a kind. The position and facility she works in require a special type of person to handle the day-to-day operations. For more context, Mrs. Hand-Perine is the senior clerical specialist supporting the principal of Lord High School. Lord High School is held within MacLaren Youth Correction Center, which houses young men of various ages. Lord High School ensures that these young men continue to receive an education and, for some, their GED or start on college courses.

Mrs. Hand-Perine is the backbone of the facility. She helps keep her principal on top of tasks, ensures that all programs have the resources they need to succeed, and takes the lead in creating and organizing graduation day. For many of these young men, this is one of their most positive, memorable days. She may not interact with many students face to face, but her work on the back end allows them to be successful and see themselves differently. 

"When Rachel was hired, she took to her position like she had been working for our agency for years," said Grauer. "She is confident in all she does, problem-solves issues, and takes the initiative to question and update prior practices that may have made sense years ago but now no longer fit with our practices. I can give her anything without complaint and know she will complete it with perfection and a smile. Rachel is a tremendous asset to our team, and I am happy to be able to work alongside her."