LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Patrick Farrar was nominated by a colleague, Sara Ferguson.

"There is a person at Archie High School who contributes significantly each day to the overall positive and welcoming atmosphere at Archie School. This person works diligently doing tasks that often go unnoticed by others, but these tasks keep us healthy and safe daily. This person also has positive and encouraging interactions with students and staff, often while he is still working. He somehow finds a way to make everyone at Archie smile daily, even when they don't feel like doing so. He also truly makes staff and students feel heard and seen as individuals. He may not have a high salary or a 'fancy' title. Still, Patrick Farrar, Custodian at Archie R-V, is an amazing person, and I believe he deserves the LifeChanger Award title," said Ferguson.

"When Patrick arrives for his afternoon/night custodial shift, he immediately gets to work, often whistling and always smiling. Everyone who crosses Patrick's path while he is emptying trash, cleaning restrooms, and doing other tasks that some would consider 'trivial' feels like he knows them. It's the truth. I have observed him congratulating students at the end of the day on their various achievements that week, whether scoring in a sporting event or winning an award in Band or Art activities. He regularly gives 'gifts' to people who he thinks need them. For example, on many occasions, I have arrived in my classroom in the morning to a book or magazine he has placed on my desk," said Ferguson. "He knows I will enjoy and use these items -- sometimes personally and sometimes in my teaching! I am an English teacher, but I also teach two Film and Literature classes. He shares awesome facts and his passion for classic movies with me daily, which helps me be effective in the classroom!"

"I know Patrick sees his role as Archie Custodian as essential to the overall school environment. For instance, he has told me on many occasions that cleaning the gym after a game brings him immense joy because he knows it helps student-athletes, their coaches, and the spectators at these events have a better experience," said Ferguson. "Again, these individuals may not recognize what Patrick does for them (at night, when they are all at home, in their beds), but he takes pride in what he does and has a passion for helping people be their best selves. Patrick is also hilarious, witty, and intelligent. Any conversation a person has with Patrick proves this fact."

"For these reasons and many more, I believe Patrick Farrar deserves the award of LifeChanger for his service at Archie School," said Ferguson.