LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kelly Rooke Fairly was nominated by her friend, Cindy Wilkins.

Ms. Rooke is a dedicated and creative teacher. She teaches in an economically disadvantaged school. Ms. Rooke works to instill pride and determination into each of her students. She consistently seeks new ways to showcase her students' talents and abilities. The students in her class learn about the value of hard work, being a person of honor, showing daily kindness and encouragement to others, and realizing their importance in their community. 

For Ms. Rooke, being a teacher is her life, not a day job. She is continually creating new ways for her students to learn. Ms. Rooke develops projects that will be of high interest to the students and yield educational benefits. Even in the summer, she helps lead day camps for young children and teaches them to read. 

Ms. Rooke understands the child that doesn't feel as if they fit in. She is an adoptee, a child of color, who grew up in a Scandanavian-style coastal town in Oregon. Not being blonde with blue eyes caused many walls to be built around her, and she was excluded from many activities. She wants to be that guiding light for those kids who feel like they don't measure up.

The Hillsboro School District has recognized Ms. Rooke for her excellence in teaching with a Crystal Apple nomination. She is well known for her programs in reading and her Wax Museum project, where the students learn about a person in history or current figures, dress like that individual, and give a short speech about what they have learned in a room that's transformed into a museum.

Ms. Rooke is also an avid animal lover. For many years, her classroom had a pet goat or rabbit. These animals were like secret keepers for some children, who would share their stories with their furry friends, read them a book, or dress them up. Yes, they were patient animals. 

Ms. Rooke has held several leadership roles within her school, championing such topics as literacy, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as after-school learning opportunities. She is beloved by her students and continually requested by families to be their child's teacher.