LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Gina Mays was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

Ms. Mays has spent the last 29 years as a teacher and administrator. She has taught kindergarten through 5th grade, and has also been a curriculum coordinator and assistant principal. She worked for five different districts in South Carolina, both rural and suburban. Lexington Richland School District 5 has been her home for the last 11 years, where she has served as the assistant principal at Harbison West Elementary School and Ballentine Elementary School. 

Ms. Mays has two sons, Grant and Carter, who have learned that having a mom in an administrative position can be difficult at times. Her family is very supportive and can often be found helping out with projects around the school. Ms. Mays is also very active in her church and enjoys traveling, watching movies, and scrapbooking when the time allows it. 

"Ms. Mays is a funny and very engaging principal, and is always supporting the faculty and staff," the nominator said. "She always has something positive to share, and she dresses up on many occasions to set a professional example for students."