LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Mike Olds was nominated by his colleague, Mary Margaret Utess. 

Mr. Olds is a Life Changer. As principal of Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Mr. Olds has had to learn a lot in a short amount of time. He had to learn about elementary students when his early training was teaching high school students. Mr. Olds had to learn about being a principal as a teacher. He also has four small children of his own. Somehow, he has learned to balance all this as he advances his career.

Mr. Olds is learning and advancing his leadership skills. He has initiated a discipline program for the students while recognizing that he and his team teach virtues. Mr. Olds has inaugurated a leadership team amongst his staff. He has also introduced students to a four-house system, which allows them to get to know each other across grade levels and work together in teamwork. He is forming relationships with his students.

"We are a school of diverse cultural communities. Mr. Olds works to bring us into a common bond of appreciation for each other," said Utess.

He is also sought by many of the students to talk about their struggles and work on solutions. He is balancing his professional and personal life and works to maintain this balance with his staff. He encourages staff to take the time they need with their children, aging parents, and spouses, as they also serve as professional teachers and staff members. Mr. Olds is initiating programs, building relationships, and balancing his professional and personal life. For these reasons, Mr. Olds is a LifeChanger. He is indeed a blessing to the school community.