LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kristin Khan was nominated by her colleague, Ruth Herbert.

"Kristin Khan has been a teacher at Hoke County High School for ten years but has spent her entire life in our county," explains Herbert. "She has always treated each student as a family member due to her multiple ties to our community."

She recognizes the need for basic supplies and strives so hard to provide women's empowerment. In an area where 29.6% of residents are impoverished, Ms. Khan wanted to help young men and women by bringing the community together to provide students with prom dresses, dress suits, makeup, jewelry, and alterations. Through constant solicitation, traveling, running to the dry cleaners, and collecting and organizing donations, she started an entire campaign to help students who cannot afford formal dresses and suits attend one of the most memorable events so far in their lives.

She received over 200 outfits in all sizes and held an event where young men and women could choose an outfit and get it altered to fit them while receiving makeovers and jewelry on the same day. Her event lasted from 9 AM until 2 PM. The halls were filled the entire time with young people's enthusiasm and heightened sense of self-esteem. She has continued to supply students with attire during her planning so that all students are served, whether they can attend the event or not. Students, many females, were met with the love and guidance of teachers who were willing to help them feel beautiful.

"In our area, we have many absent parents, and many of our students are in foster care or have an assigned guardian," said Herbert. "This love and attention were appreciated by not only the students, but the teachers. Many happy tears were shed during this event. Both teachers and students felt the joy that helping a student find self-esteem and overcome a financial barrier to attend such an important function has on individuals."