LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sara Chavez was nominated by a friend, MariaClaudia Cuartas Cordoba.

"Mrs. Chavez is a LifeChanger daily or every moment of the day," said Cuartas Cordoba. "She begins her day smiling, knowing each student's name, music, dance, or whatever the students need to start the day. Mrs. Chavez gives the students and teachers her talents, compassion, and support daily. She makes each student feel like they are the world's most important person. She listens and empathizes, and in this uncertain world, she gives it stability. Mrs. Chavez also advocates for her students by ensuring they have school supplies through countless hours of sorting, receiving, and soliciting donations. She also makes sure that the students have clothing and food. She quietly delivers food for our neediest students on Thursday afternoons so their food is ready for Friday. She is like Santa's elves, always working quietly and with so much love and dedication to the future of our students."

"She is an amazing educator," said Cuartas Cordoba. "She teaches social-emotional practices to students and teachers and is always ready to have a restorative circle when needed to repair the classroom expectations that were challenged. I remember when I had a student who struggled in the school environment, so I asked for a restorative circle. She changed her schedule to accommodate us. She brought everyone together and led the circle, and it helped us to return to a place of love and understanding for all. She is also a coach for our soccer team called GOAL. She has a holistic approach to everything; through GOAL, she can reach the whole individual in a fun and exciting way. There are so many moments that many teachers can share of her selfless devotion to our campus, community, and, most importantly, our students. This is just a sneak peek at the amazing LifeChanger that Mrs. Chavez is."