Music that Describes Christie
Christie Hodge was nominated by a student, Danesha Stevens.
Mrs. Hodge has been in the Ware Shoals community for 17 years. Not only does she serve her district's high school as the band director, but she also serves as the middle school band director.
She has leveled up her school's music program in many ways, from teaching and transposing music for the band's yearly marching show to giving students an appreciation of music through Music Appreciation and Chorus. She pushes every student she comes in contact with to be the best they can be. She has managed to integrate both of her band programs and rebuild one of the best bands in South Carolina, the Ware Shoals "Million Dollar Band."
"She has helped many students who were shy like I blossom into extraordinary musicians even years after they have left her band room," said Stevens. "Mrs. Hodge is the most energetic and encouraging band director I know. She always strives for the best for her students at the District, State, or National levels. Mrs. Hodge has helped our band program earn nine outstanding performance awards, the first being my Senior Year in 2014. She is always there to lend a helping hand to our community by playing at our town's local events, such as the Catfish Festival and our Veteran's Day program, or if it's just to lend a hand wherever she can."
She teaches all of her students to be model musicians. Over the years, she has instilled the skills and discipline to be champions in every stage of life. When a child feels like they want to give up, she is always there to encourage them and nurture them to their full potential, even long after they have left her classroom.
"Mrs. Hodge became my Chorus teacher during my seventh-grade year of school," said Stevens. "Since then, she has helped me blossom into a wonderful singer for five years, and then I entered deeper into the music program through Marching Band and Concert Band. There, I discovered what I truly loved was music in all mediums. She has been a huge part of my support system for over ten years and still is. From being one of my biggest motivators or a shoulder to cry on when I'm singing 'The Christmas Shoes' by Newsong, Mrs. Hodge has always been there for me. She still checks on me to ensure I and my family are well."
In short, Mrs. Hodge exemplifies everything a Lifechanger of the Year should be: a model citizen, a role model to others, and an all-around jewel to her community and school.
Mrs. Hodge is the perfect example of a LifeChanger. She works tirelessly to ensure her student's success in the classroom, in the competition field, and in life in general. She never hesitates to find a way to meet the needs of her students. She is a role model and a LifeChanger.
Congrats to a fine musician/educator. Awards like this are earned through hard work and exceptional talent, and this award could not go to a finer teacher!
Mrs. Hodge is a fantastic educator and colleague. She’s always willing to lend a helping hand and never backs down from a challenge. She does everything she can for her community, her school(s), and her district without batting an eye about it. The LifeChanger of the Year Award could not be awarded to anyone who is more deserving.
Christie Hodge is well-respected throughout South Carolina for the very same reasons others here have mentioned. Her student-centered focus exemplifies everything teachers should be. Her standards are set extremely high, and she expects her students to reach them. They do, and they adore her for that. She is truly changing lives each and every day, and it is a pleasure to see an educator like her model what teaching can be.
Christie’s dedication to music education and her sincere love for her students have helped make a huge difference in many of their lives. Her life was changed tremendously by her band director and she does an excellent job of emulating his achievements.
I am so grateful that my daughter decided to join band because it gave me the privilege of getting to know Mrs Hodge. She is a ray of sunshine that will brighten up any room. She has such a warm personality and even in a short time can make you feel like you're family. You can tell she absolutely adores all her students and she works tirelessly for the band. Thank you for all of your hard work and for loving these kids. You mean so much to them and they really admire you. Definitely deserving of this LifeChanger award!!
Mrs. Hodge is my own mother. I know this is for how she’s changed lives for her students, but she has helped me overcome much more in life. She is so deserving of this award.
Let's go Mrs. Hodge let's go !!!
Mrs. Hodge helped me become the musician I am today and the confident person I have become. She has helped me out of my comfort zone and opened so many opportunities for me to expand my knowledge and gain new friends. I owe a lot to Mrs. Hodge for all she's done for me and the band :)
She’s an incredible teacher!
Mrs. Hodge is a great teacher and band director. She is my concert band teacher and marching band teacher and I have learned so much, from band-related stuff to real life lessons.
I love Mrs. Hodge and she made me love band!!!!!!!!!
This women is litteraly my mom but unlike my mom she can see. She has done almost everything for me and is always keeping me happy and healthy.
Mrs. Hodge is great!!! She impacts a lot of students and shows how much she cares for everyone.
Mrs. Hodge has always been such a huge inspiration to me. She helped me get through some of the hardest times in my life and reminds me daily where to find hope in the darkest moments. She more than deserves this nomination
Awesome teacher. Very deserving!
Christie works so hard with the band students and supports all the students in Ware Shoals. Congratulations and so well deserved!
Mrs. Hodge has done a great job with the band! She encourages and supports students in finding the instrument they like best. She is truly an attribute to Ware Shoals schools.
Mrs Hodge is a wonderful woman thanks for all you do for all the kids of the Million Dollar Band and for building a better future for our Babies that ain't Babies no more!
Mrs. Hodge is an amazing role model to all her students and has done absolutely incredible things for the band and music program for her school district! They are blessed beyond belief to have her as part of their staff! She is very much deserving of this amazing award!
Ms. Hodge is fantastic! She tries her very best to help every single student. She's amazing! The nominator said everything gnat needs to be said.
I’ve only had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Hodge for a little over two years. This year, one of my children decided to join band. Despite, being behind due to joining in eighth grade rather than sixth grade, Mrs. Hodge has encouraged him from day one. I love seeing the bright smile on my son’s face as he tells me all about Mrs. Hodge and band class. Mrs. Hodge gives of her personal time after hours to give my son extra support and practice with his instrument. I can’t thank Mrs. Hodge enough for her positive and kind spirit and dedication to my son and other students. She’s the best!
I’ve known Christie since our time together at Anderson University. Even from those early days her heart for others was evident. It just made sense that she’d end up an educator. As a music teacher, she pours into her students, encouraging them to be their best. Christie’s work in music education is preparing the musicians, artists and perhaps even the educators of tomorrow.
No other band director like her!! She’s an awesome person. Even when she deals with the worst of the worst, she shows how she truly cares. I’ll always love Christie and have felt many times over the years that she deserves nothing but respect and as many awards that are available to her. She’s truly one of a kind. I’m honored to know her. I’m privileged that I got a chance to work closely with her, even if it was for a short time. She definitely deserves to be recognized as LCOTY. Good Luck, Christie. I’ll always love you.
LifeChanger? Without a doubt! She has grown our band program from a very small group to our largest extracurricular activity. Over half of our senior students are band members! Under her leadership, our band has achieved the highest state honor eight years in a row. Mrs. Hodge goes above and way beyond her job description, even to the point of taking students into her own home if they are experiencing challenging circumstances. She pours herself into our young people. Early mornings…late nights… feeding students…providing them things they need but can’t afford…she makes whatever sacrifices are necessary for “her” students. Her life story is so inspirational, and she blessed our district family at our opening ceremonies this year by sharing how her education and one very special life-changing teacher saved her life. She is someone who has overcome barriers that would normally break a person’s spirit, and she is dedicated to helping our students do the same. She could work in other districts and make more money, but she chooses our students with her heart - many who would not find their way without her influence. She has been recognized nationally and by our state for her excellence, and it gives me great pleasure to recommend her for this recognition. There are many in this world who change lives, but Mrs. Hodge epitomizes “LifeChanger of the Year!”
Dr. Fay Sprouse, Superintendent
I was lucky enough to have Mrs.Hodge my junior (her first year there) and senior year of high school. She was and still is an amazing teacher. She pushed us outside our musical comfort zones. She pushed us to be the best we could be and wouldn't allow us to fail. She has done so much when it comes to the music program at WSHS and WSMS. She definitely deserves the award!
Ms hodge is an awesome lady. She truly cares for each of her present and former students. There is nothing that the kids needs that she will not hesitate to ask for. Even if they are having trouble with other school classes she will get them help. She often picks them up or takes them home from practice.she stays at bandroom and let's then hang out with each other. All of this and takes care of her own children. Great job Ms Christie. We at ware shoals love you
Mrs. Hodge is an amazing asset to our community, and our State!!! She has definitely earned the title of LCOTY
In the 30+ years I have known Christie, I have seen her blossom from an insecure college student trying to find her way, to a seasoned band director who found her way to her own Utopia! She connects, she cares, she pushes…she gets the best out of people around her! She is definitely a LifeChanger to so very, very many…including me!
Mrs. Hodge is a wonderful person/teacher. She not only fully supports her schools/students but the parents also. She encourages all students to be the best they can be and makes them all feel supported and accepted.
She definitely goes above and beyond for her students and their families. From making a difference daily in their lives to offering a kidney to one of their parents! This woman is AMAZING and definitely deserves this award and so much more.
