LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Sara Greenwood was nominated by an anonymous colleague.

Mrs. Greenwood has changed the lives of countless people with her passion for excellence and dedication to education. Ever since she graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a degree in Education, she has put students first. She prides herself on connecting education, community and business. She has done this with the local technical college, LTC (Lakeshore Technical College) as a high school liaison, and now as the MS/HS Counselor for the School District of Mishicot.

"With her ongoing love and concern for others, she balances relationships with students with love and strength, much like a second mom," her nominator said.

While at LTC, Mrs. Greenwood helped increase the number of dual-credits high school students could earn by 300 percent. Her actions saved rural Mantiowoc County families money by allowing students to take college level courses while still in high school and challenging students' rigor. With her help, her district allows for over 130 college credits, saving thousands of dollars in college funds for students.

Mrs. Greenwood is an active member of the Chamber and was recently named Educator of the Year in 2017. She encourages others to participate in activities that create community awareness, such as Leadership Manitowoc County, the Young Professionals Network, Chamber-led industry tours, and newly developed Career and Technical Education regional advisory committees. Her performance not only showcases her professional growth, but her personal passion for helping students.

She has led the Manitowoc County Partners In Education (McPie) Committee to provide programs which benefit both youth and businesses such as Career Expo, Heavy Metal Bus Tour, Construction Bus Tour, Reality Store, High School Job Fair, and the Youth Transitional Job Fair. She coordinates CTE (Career and Technical Education) programs, as well as the YA (Youth Apprenticeship) program. The YA program provides students with hands-on learning opportunities while still in high school, and it has tripled in size since her hire.

Mrs. Greenwood was also a leader in a pilot program of Wisconsin Academic and Career Planning, which guides students in the development of their individualized educational and career plan. This program includes business tours, speakers, job shadows and mock interviews to have 100 percent of students with a career/college readiness plan upon graduation.

Mrs. Greenwood nurtures the whole student, bringing new and innovative services to the district, including an on-staff mental health counselor, snack back program for students to have food/resources over the weekend, civic organization partnership, clothing closet, middle school ACP program, business club and National Junior Honors Society, 

"Sara looks out for each student in the district, trying to match them with the mentors, resources, and courses that will best nurture their learning," said her nominator. "She is a mentor and a friend who adheres to high moral and ethical standards while always trying her best to do what is right for students. She spends ample time pouring her heart and soul into our school district, all while making time for her own family and bettering the community in the process."