LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Jana Danay was nominated by an anonymous student.

"In my four years at Arrowhead High School, I've never felt like any teacher ever impacted my life. That changed when I became a senior and joined the yearbook class," said the student. "My sister told me the positive impact Mrs. Danay made on her. I told my sister I'd try the class, but I wasn't sure if I would stick with it because photography and asking people for pictures weren't my thing. I have always had horrible anxiety about things involving people I don't know. Little did I know Mrs. Danay would help me break out of that shell."

"On the first day of the yearbook class, I almost instantly dropped it because there was no one I was close to," said the student. "Sitting here in my second semester of senior year, I am very fortunate I didn't drop this class. Mrs. Danay always brings the biggest smile and the best attitude to class...Even if she had a bad day, Mrs. Danay would tell her students it was not a day to play around, but she never seemed like she didn't want to be there."

"I also liked that every day was different," said the student. "Some days, we worked really hard, but we also had more chill days and just hung out. This balance was nice because it improved the work ethic of her students, including me. Every Friday, we have a snack and activity day, which is a really nice end to the week."

"Mrs. Danay makes sure to get to know her students on a personal level and talks to them individually every day," said the student. "She always asks her students questions like 'How was your day,' or if you had a sporting event that day, she'd say, 'Good luck tonight.'"

"Mrs. Danay has left a positive mark on my high school career like no other teacher has, which is amazing considering I've only had her for one year. I am glad I got to have her as a teacher and experience her shining personality. She truly is a fantastic teacher and person," said the student.