LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Craig Macarelli was nominated by a colleague, Yamily Byas.

"Craig is the principal at Salem Prep High School, a Therapeutic Public Day School. He is authentic and goes above and beyond for students and his staff. He treats all of us with love and respect and makes sure we are taking care of ourselves so we can give our all at school to serve our students," said Byas. "It is a pleasure to work with him."

Byas has collected other notes from teachers and staff.

"When I first met Craig, I knew right off the bat that he would be someone I could trust. His compassionate soul filled the room. A couple of months ago, before the kids arrived at school, I asked to meet with him to review some things, but the conversation became about me since he could tell I was going through a time. He sat with me and patiently guided me through the conversation. He listened, and I don't think he realized how much that meant to me. He cares about my progress at this job and me as a person. He continuously pushes me to stay motivated and dedicated. He is a person that all should be lucky enough to have and know. His passion and dedication to this job genuinely warm and fill my heart day after day," said Khia.

"In the many years that I have been teaching, I have never worked with an administrator whose personality and compassion inspire people the way that Craig has. Whether it be students, staff, parents, or other administrators, everyone feels safe and heard when talking to Craig. He has two superpowers that make him an inspiring and dedicated educator. First, he is extraordinarily knowledgeable about special education and education in general. He is never afraid to speak up to support what he knows is right and just for the student. Second, his compassion for human life is unparalleled. As an employee, student, or friend of Craig's, your mental, physical, and emotional health are always allowed to come first. He recognizes that we, as educators and learners, cannot be at our best professionally until we are at our best personally, and this is such a rare and beautiful quality to find in educational settings. I am in awe of his effect on anyone who has the privilege of knowing him. I aspire to one day be the type of administrator to my students and staff that he is today," said Laura.

"Craig is an incredible administrator under which to work. He is hands-on, compassionate, open-minded, sympathetic, empathetic, genuine, engaged, and passionate. Since I began working here at Salem Prep, I have had many interactions with Craig that have positively impacted me, professionally and personally. One of these moments came when he asked me if I would consider being the lead special education teacher for the 2023-2024 school year. His request was an incredible moment in my 26 years of teaching. This request demonstrated to me the immense level of trust and respect that Craig had in me to make such an offer to take on this position. It has been a fantastic experience so far. Craig continues to provide me with feedback, support, and guidance as I maneuver through this additional position. I will never be able to fully express to Craig how much this opportunity has meant to me. Thanks, Craig," said Vicki.