Anna Lisa Acosta-Driscoll
Position: School Counselor
School: Eisenhower High School
School District: Yakima School District
City, State: Yakima , WA
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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.
Mrs. Acosta is such an amazing human being with the sweetest soul out there. No amount of words can describe how much she does for her students and colleagues. I can say from experience that she goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels supported, valued, and inspired. Her kindness and dedication create an environment where everyone thrives, and her impact is truly immeasurable.
Lisa is an earth angel! She goes out of her way to help students. She advocates tirelessly to make sure student voices are heard and their needs met. She is an inspiration to me! She has started a cadet closet that is like nothing I’ve seen. It has clothes, school supplies, toiletries for our students in need. She also contributes to our community by volunteering in endless activities. She also pays it forward as she has a huge group of students that do community service activities. She single handedly is teaching students to pay it forward and to make a difference in our community.
This woman is so strong for us every day she perseveres us to get to class on time , work hard, get good grades, and pay attention. She is Always trying to make the world a better place every day and the students and I really see that. We really appreciate her and everything she does for us!! Thank you
Mrs.Acosta is one of the most selfless people I’ve ever met, always willing to help others and making sure everyone feels welcome. She’s one of those individuals you will forever remember. I don’t think anyone would be more deserving of this award than Lisa.
Mrs. Acosta is a light and to know her is to love her! I had the pleasure of having her as my counselor and advisor at Washington Middle School and she was always so kind and supportive. She made my middle school years so much fun and for that I am so grateful. Everyone needs a Mrs. Acosta in their lives!
Lisa Acosta is such an asset to not only Yakima School District but the community as well. Lisa is an advocate for the youth in our community and is always looking for ways to actively get involved and lift up youth in Yakima Valley. I have had the pleasure of working with Lisa at Washington Middle School where she was as always advocating for youth and kept a positive and hopeful outlook for the students in the building. I always knew I could count on her to help me with a difficult student, giving supports and holding them accountable. She has a plethora of experience working with youth in our community and is always looking for a new challenge.
Lisa Acosta is making a difference in the lives of youth she works with, she not only changes lives, but gives them hope, support and direction to make those positive changes.
Miss Acosta is such an amazing person!! Iv gotten to know her these past couple of months and I gained such an amazing relationship!!!
Lisa, your work is so important in the community! Your love, guidance and kindness is so appreciated by staff and students. Whenever I visit you at school, I can tell your office is where all the students are gathered. It means that you have created a space for them to congregate and be able to talk to you. Your impact can be seen by all and the students you have mentored, inspired and guided will go on to make big difference in the world.
I’ve known Lisa for over 25 years, her passion, dedication and commitment to service is evident in the legacies she leaves, from events she helped create while in college that are still organized yearly, to the way her former students still reach out to her for guidance in their post-high school careers. There’s nothing I’m more proud of than to know that she fostered healthy relationships with her students that they continue to seek her out in their adult lives. Lisa is more than deserving of this recognition.
Ms. Acosta has always supported me in classes and also in my extracurricular activities, and has always been here for me. She has helped me with school and out of school problems and has always helped me see the good in bad. Her support is encouraging and motivating. She teaches me to never give up. I help out with the Cadet Closet and see how much heart she has to help the students in need.
I met Mrs. Acosta over 10 years ago and I can proudly say she’s one of the most selfless people I’ve met. I know Mrs. Acosta leaves a positive impact on everyone she meets, she strives to make everyone feel welcome no matter what they may be going through.
Lisa, growing up I didnt like teachers I felt like they always judged me and had the wrong idea of me but she didn’t she was always so nice and treated me like I was loved but always made sure I did my best showed me words only hurt If I listen.
I have known Lisa since we coordinated a small girls support group at our local WA Middle school where she was the onsite counselor :) a few years ago, I then realized that I would be working with a powerhouse, strong and dedicated individual who is committed, compassionate, empathetic and most importantly dedicated and determined to advocate, be the voice for all students she works with. Her passion and dedication in our school is beyond awesome and amazing, I am proud to say she is truly an inspiration. Thank you, Lisa, for all that you do.
I have worked with Anna Lisa for 4 years. The dedication and support she shows her students goes beyond graduation. Anna Lisa creates a bond with her students that last a life time. The connection and safety she creates for these students is impressive. Her heart is dedicated to the school and helping students strive for greatness. You can see her supporting her students after school hours. She is always finding was to assist her students with community hours, leadership skills, and giving back to their peers and community. She is someone you can rely on to get the work done.
Lisa, Even after 20+ years after graduation do I feel like I would have not made it through my last year of high school without your support and encouragement to do better. You helped me realize I was capable of reaching my goals. It is amazing to see and hear that you have continue to care for all your students and the community now as much as you did back then. It would be an honor to see Mrs. Lisa Acosta-Driscoll win this award.
Lisa, is great person she has always had great love towards everyone she meets. She is the person you can confide with and she is also the person to tell you were you are wrong. Since I have meet her as a school counselor she has always helped me even now that I am not in school she still continues to help me. She really is that support everyone needs.
Lisa helped me through a very hard time when I was at the point where I was about to give up on my education because I didn’t believe I could graduate in time. She understood where I was coming from & gave me the great advice to step up my game & take action for my self. She was the only adult in my life that truly cared for my future & encouraged me to pull through & succeed. It truly meant a lot to me that she went to the best of her ability to make sure i graduated.
Lisa has always created a safe and welcoming environment during my school years. She’s a very kind and passionate person, someone who truly cares for her students. I always seen her more than just someone who worked at the school I attended but as an adult I can confide in. I knew that she would give me her best advice and encouragement. I admire and appreciate everything she has done for me, she deserves nothing but the best!
Lisa is one of the most selfless people I know. She is always doing something for someone else. Lisa really is a life changer and cares so much for her students. There is no one more deserving of this award!
I can wholeheartedly say that I have never met a more compassionate individual in my life. Lisa works day and a day out to better the lives of all students, just as if they were her own. She played a major role in the success of myself, as well as a significant amount of my peers success. I can never repay her for the positive influence she has had. No student is less than, and all students are equal and deserve the same respect, and she truly believes that.
Lisa, or Mrs. Acosta is how I know her best, has always been a great support and has pulled me out of really dark places in life, especially dealing with mental health. I genuinely don’t think I would’ve gotten through high school without her by my side. She’s always done her best to work hard for her students and make things a little less stressful at times.
She’s always responding to me when I need her or have a question. Shes guided me to volunteer work and it’s really helped me meet new people and gain new experiences.
I have known Lisa since about 2004, as a case manager for a program in high school that encouraged good grades and supported us for after school tutoring. During our summers off from school the program took students to visit numerous college campuses. I did not have many people in my life that encouraged higher education, so hindsight I was very thankful for Lisa. Fast forward to 2024, I am currently an elementary school teacher with a Masters Degree. Another reason I appreciate her is because these last handful of years, I ask family and friends for $10 donations to buy Christmas gifts for 20+ students in my classroom and Lisa never hesitates to lend me a helping hand. Lisa is very deserving of this recognition! She has a great heart!!
I am thrilled to learn that Lisa has been nominated for the LifeChanger of the Year award. Lisa was a mentor of mine when I was in 8th grade, and she has always made sure to create personal connections with her mentees. She made us feel valued, heard, and cared for. Even now, as an adult and a single mom of two teenagers in sports, Lisa continues to support me. She is always one of the first to show her support when I am running fundraisers. If it has to do with children, Lisa is there. Giving Lisa this award would be incredibly deserving, as she exemplifies excellence, positive influence, and leadership in every way.
I had the pleasure of working with Lisa for 4 years and she has always done an amazing job working to support students in any way possible. She does a wonderful job building community and helping students engage with resources around them. She is a joy to her school and very deserving of this recognition.
Lisa is amazing! I met her through a volunteer organization we both belong to. She puts her heart and soul into the well-being of her students. I remember when she put on a leadership summit for middle school girls when she was a counselor at Washington Middle School. It is an example of one of the “above and beyond” things she does for her students. The next year our volunteer organization started putting on a similar type of event and it has grown every year.
Her involvement in founding the Cadet Club is another great example of how much she cares about her students.
Acosta is not only a mother to her dogs at home, but a mother to all students at Eisenhower. She has always been there for me and my fellow friends. During my freshman year I was actually assigned to a different counselor. Until my junior and senior year I realized that I wanted her to be my counselor instead. Which was the best decision of my life! It felt so easy connecting with Lisa. I felt truly honored to have actually walked with Lisa the day of my graduation, I hope she wins this award!!
Lisa was my mentor in high school & after graduating. She helped me accomplish my goals. Helped me find a career and connecting with the right people and organizations. She has also been my son's counselor in high school. She helped guide him in the right direction for college.
I worked with Lisa for 6 years at Washington Ms, she was my counseling partner back then & now I’m working with her in a different capacity but still working together. What I see In Lisa is her passion to work with our students and empower them to get a higher education, teaching them about community service whether is in school or outside school she is always thinking of projects to involve our students with. To gain that sense of belonging and leadership. Lisa is an example to follow by our students that together we can achieve more to better our community, our schools. Empowering our students to be leaders of tomorrow. Lisa’s passion to help our students in any shape and form is evident by all of us professionals and we greatly appreciate her for the leader she is in our school. We are bless to work with such a caring school counselor.
Lisa is an amazing asset to the Yakima School District. She always gives her all to all of the kids she works with and makes such a big impact in so many lives.
lisa , I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for all the support and guidance you provide to the students. Your dedication to helping us navigate through our academic and personal challenges does not go unnoticed. Your empathy, patience, and wisdom make a significant difference in our lives, and we truly appreciate everything you do. Thank you for being a constant source of encouragement and support.
Lisa is a remarkable person whose hard work, dedication, and love have the power to change lives. She pours her heart into helping students grow, guiding them with kindness and unwavering support. Her perseverance is an inspiration, showing what is possible when passion meets determination. Lisa’s commitment to our community shines through in everything she does, leaving a lasting impact on those around her. She uplifts, encourages, and empowers, making the world a better place one student at a time. Lisa is truly a beacon of hope and positivity.
Lisa is such a treasure! I have known her for 10 years. As a co-worker she has not only been a valuable resource to me, but I have personally seen her connect and inspire hundreds of students. Her work with our leadership students and the Young Women’s Leadership Summit each year were invaluable to students. She truly does see the individual student and helps them believe in their own ability to have a successful future. I could not think of a better nominee. My students and I are all beyond grateful to have such an advocate.
Lisa has always acted in the best interest of students! Always thinking out their needs both emotional and physical. She’s got a beautiful heart and loves helping kids.
Having known Lisa for many, many years I can attest to her commitment to service in the community, and particularly with students. Lisa always sees their brightest potential and does whatever she can to support their growth and success.
Congrats! Lisa is an awesome, always going above and beyond for students. From Middle School to High School students always know she cares about and supports them! Well deserved!!
Lisa has poured her heart into helping the students of IKE. Her office is always full of students doing various things; it could be taking a break, catching up on work or hanging out. She always has a listening ear for people and if needed knows where to point someone to a resource.
She is more than deserving of this award ??.
As long ad I have known Lisa, through her volunteer work with the Junior League of Yakima and beyond, she has steadfastly supported all of her students. She is dedicated and puts 100% in to them on a daily basis. She is changing lives and empowering our future leaders.
Lisa has always been awesome she goes above and beyond! She has a big Caring ??
Acosta is just amazing. She always supports you and leads you to do the right thing.
Lisa is one in a million, and students will be the first to say it! The impact she has on them is palpable- we can tell who “Acosta’s kids” are by their kindness, tenacity, and grit- all values she fosters within them. With her guidance, her students turn F’s into A’s, darkness into hope, and apathy into ambition. We are truly lucky to have her as a beacon of support for our students.
The love and devotion Lisa has for her students is inspiring. Lisa genuinely cares about her students and wants each of them to feel empowered and cared for. I love attending school events with Lisa because the kids light up when they see her. I’m so glad Eisenhower students have Lisa. She truly is Lifechanger and makes everyone around feel loved and seen
She has created a safe place for our most at risk youth! She is firm, but fair and the kids love her for it. She doesn’t just have a positive influence on her students, she had a positive influence on me!
She is such a kind and caring person. She works hard to give her students what they need to succeed!!
Mrs. Acosta is an amazing woman and counselor. she helped me through so much while i was at school and even helped me encourage other students who didn’t care about graduation to graduate. she is always there for the students and is really the life changer of the year
Lisa had been an incredible individual helping in any way possible. When I started high school, I was always looking for the counselor that had my best interest at heart and I knew she was going to walk with me in the steps to set me up for success. She helped to teach my goals of attending the university of my choosing and believing that I could do it. I have always appreciated her company and is she for any and every students no matter what stage of life you are in. She is the light that everyone needs.
Thank you, Lisa.
Lisa is the best! She genuinely cares about everyone around her and pushing them to pursue bigger and better things in their lives. <3
Having known and worked with Anna Lisa for many years, I can attest to how deserving she is of this award. She lives and works from a place of "let's do this better for kids!" Its an honor to be her colleague! Thank you for recognizing her tireless commitment.
Lisa has always had a special place in her heart for kids. Before she became a counselor, she worked hard at encouraging kids to stay in school. Then she became a counselor and has continued to work with students. She makes them see their worth and they start believing in themselves. I pray she gets this award. She's deserving of it.
Lisa, thank you for the incredible support and encouragement you continue to give to students like me during your time at the Toppenish NWA Center. Your guidance not only helped me get into college but also inspired me to seek opportunities to pay it forward. This recognition is more than deserved—your positive impact continues to resonate, and I am deeply grateful!
Where do I start, I have worked with Lisa for 8 years and in those 8 years she has been the best thing that the school district has had. She loves all her students like her own and empowers higher education because she believes in us all.
She’s always been there for me through my rough times and that’s why I love her
