LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Vernard Moore was nominated by Tony DAbbondanza.

Mr. Moore teaches 8th-grade science at Millennium Middle School in Sanford and is a pillar in the community. Last year, he was highlighted as the "Teacher of the Month" for all of Seminole County and awarded the "Teacher of the Year" for Millennium Middle School. He's not only focused on student achievement when it comes to hitting the books, but he's also preparing his students for the game of life. 

Mr. Moore's influence is not limited to the classroom. He also leads a leadership course, ''Young Men of Distinction,'' where students discuss their habits and priorities. This program, a testament to his commitment to shaping future leaders, not only guides young ones and helps them make good decisions during their formative years but also empowers them to excel in various roles in society.

Mr. Moore set out to be a teacher. Coaching led him to choose a career in teaching. In 2008, he started coaching youth sports. As he began to coach, he realized his true purpose, which was to guide young ones through teaching. 

"We want to teach the content. We want them to understand that education is important, but also character—who they are as young men and women moving forward in life. I genuinely and sincerely love every last one of them because I've been these kids at some point in time in my life," says Moore.

Mr. Moore said the relationships he builds with each student are essential.

"They can always come to Coach Moore with anything that they need. Any way that I can help them, I will try to put my best foot forward, and if they know that, I feel that I have effectively done my job," said Moore.

"Vernard Moore makes a difference here in Sanford. He loves what he does and changes the lives of these young students every day. For these reasons, I nominate Mr. Vernard Moore as the LifeChanger of the Year," said DAbbondanza.

Check out this article featuring Mr. Moore in the news!