LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Anna Lisa Acosta-Driscoll was nominated by her former student and mentee, Michelle Acevedo Haro.

"Going above and beyond for all of her students is what Anna Lisa Acosta-Driscoll has been doing each year since she worked for the Yakima School District. Mrs. Acosta, who genuinely cares about the students, is a counselor at Eisenhower High School and has experience working for many other schools in the Yakima Valley School District," said Acevedo Haro.

"One experience that will always stick in my memory is when I was volunteering for a school project, and she was also volunteering. I had known of her because she is liked by many, and I had emailed her several times, but we never met face to face. As a sophomore, I was intimidated when I first saw her, but she quickly eased the feeling when she approached me and started talking to me. When I was leaving, she said, 'Bye, Michelle.' I turned around, shocked because I didn't know that she knew who I was. She may not recall that particular instance, but I do. She gives every student a sense of belonging and recognition. Just like with me, she has changed students' lives for the better," said Acevedo Haro.

"Her desire to assist students inside the school extends far beyond her work responsibilities, as she has done so much for the community and students outside of it. She created the Cadet Closet and has been running it for two years. It's a free closet at Eisenhower that provides hygiene items, such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, etc., for any student and staff member, school supplies like backpacks, paper, pens, notebooks, etc, and even clothing and shoes. This closet has helped many at Eisenhower who are low-income and can not afford these necessities. If you were to pass her office, you would notice many students gathering around. At first, it confused me, but as I got to know Mrs. Acosta, I realized that students are always in her class because she makes them feel comfortable and safe. If anyone has changed students' lives for the better, it is Mrs. Acosta," said Acevedo Haro.