LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Katie Holtegaard was nominated by her principal, Clark Olstad.

"I would describe Ms. Holtegaard by saying she has a very special twinkle in her eye! I'm not exactly sure what she is thinking sometimes with the grin on her face, but it is usually very fun. One of Ms. Holtegaard's greatest strengths is her relaxed, fun, calming personality. I have never observed Katie being overwhelmed or upset at school. Her classroom atmosphere is one of the best I have ever had the privilege of seeing. One hundred percent of her students and parents absolutely respect, appreciate, and adore Katie," said Olstad. This respect and admiration is a testament to her exceptional teaching and caring nature.

"Most importantly, Katie is an incredible mother and understands that her family is the most important thing in her life. Her entire family is truly fortunate to have her in their life. We are all busy in life with our careers and family. However, Katie is the type of mom who never says no and continues to do more and more for all three of her incredible daughters. I am sure there are days that Katie is exhausted, but she never shows it at school and continues to be extremely busy after school with her daughters. I think sometimes Katie is at school to catch her breath and be with her close friends and work family," said Olstad.

Mr. Olstad recalled a quote from Mother Teresa. "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier."

"One of my favorite parts of my day as a principal is stopping in Katie's room daily to visit her and observe her work with students. Katie's students have learned strategies to get me talking to distract Katie from the academic task they are working on. The quote is exactly how I feel after talking to Katie each day – I feel better, have a little more smile on my face, and usually find myself whistling down the hallway after leaving Katie's room. I joked with Katie that it would save me a lot of time if she just started by telling me what she wanted and recommended because the result is always what Katie says! Ms. Holtegaard is extraordinary, and we are extremely fortunate that she continues to work at P-E-M 4-6 Elementary. She is, and will continue to be, a Life Changer to many students and families at Plainview-Elgin-Millville Community Schools," Olstad said.