Ralph Frier
Position: Executive Director
School: Ridgeview Global Studies Academy
School District: Polk County School District
City, State: Davenport, FL
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Ralph Frier was nominated by his colleague, Dottie Trapnell.
For more than 55 years, Mr. Frier has dedicated his life to changing the lives of students and families in Polk County. His unwavering commitment to education and leadership has shaped the futures of countless children and educators alike.
Mr. Frier's vision and determination led to the founding of Ridgeview Global Studies Academy, a charter school designed to ensure that every student in his community has access to the very best education possible. He understood that strong schools are built by strong teams, and he worked tirelessly to place the right people in the right positions so that every student could succeed. His leadership has always been guided by purpose, integrity, and a deep belief in the potential of every child.
Mr. Frier celebrated his 80th birthday the week he was nominated for LifeChanger of the Year. However, this isn't a man looking to retire. Instead, he continues his efforts to educate by being involved with TakeHeart, an organization that helps orphans and widows in Kenya. He is currently working to help build a school there, which will be aptly named Frier Academy.
"On a personal level, Mr. Frier changed the course of my own life. When I lost my father, it was his encouragement and faith in me that gave me the strength to continue my education and pursue a career in teaching and leadership. His words and actions reminded me that education is not just about academics. It's about building character, resilience, and hope! Mr. Frier is more than an educator; he is a mentor, visionary, and a true LifeChanger. His impact reaches far beyond the walls of the schools he has led, and it lives on in every student, teacher, and leader he has inspired," said Trapnell.
https://www.midfloridanewspapers.com/four_corners_sun/news/ridgeview-global-trio-nominated-for-life-changer-awards/article_eddef77f-8092-4c82-b9c3-e2d1560bed5d.html
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I proudly nominate Mr. Ralph Frier for the 2025-2026 LifeChanger Award. I have had the privilege of working at Ridgeview Academy for the past 24 years. Mr. Frier is a leader who is not only a visionary professional, but also his commitment extends beyond the professional sphere, as he genuinely cares about the well-being of his staff on a personal level.
He serves as the school executive director, demonstrating a strong work ethic and inspiring others through his dedication. He is known for actively encouraging his staff, fostering a positive and productive environment.
I feel privileged to work under his direction and truly value his empathetic and forward-thinking leadership style.
Thank you, Mr. Frier, for all you do!
Mr. Frier is an exceptional individual and a tremendous asset to public education. He has been a cornerstone of the charter school community in Polk County, positively impacting countless people both locally and beyond. I deeply admire his work ethic, resilience, unwavering commitment to education, and his consistently positive attitude. RGSA has grown into the successful product it is today because of his dedication and tireless efforts, alongside Mr. Johnson and their outstanding faculty and staff. Educators like Mr. Frier are rare, and it is truly an honor to collaborate with someone whose heart is genuinely in the right place throughout the school year.
Mr Friar is absolutely amazing, I am so proud to nominate him. His dedication to Ridgeview global students and dedication to make sure that all student can have an education is phenomenal. We love all that he does and what he will accomplish in the many, many upcoming years. So I’m am a proud parent who supports Mr Friar indefinitely. He is a very genuine person and willingness to help and support the students as well as his parents, it’s like we are one big happy family. Thank you for all you do Mr Friar.
Mr. Frier is the BEST person for this award. His heart & dedication is Unmatched!!
All 3 of my children went to Ridgeview in the early years.
Mr Friar is beyond deserving of this award. He has spent his life improving not only his immediate community but improving the lives of those on the other side of the world. My daughters are fortunate to attend the school Mr Friar created here & I could not have dreamed of a better school for their ever so important childhood years. His school’s foundation of raising up good humans not just smart students sets it apart from any other school in the world. Mr Friar’s dreams & lifelong work are reflected in every student that has walked & will walk on the campus he created. In the opinion of myself and my children - Mr Friar is the definition of this award & is most deserving of this honor.
Thank you for crating the school for our community and for being there!
Thank you for all you do!
Mr. Frier is an outstanding Executive Director, and as a parent, I truly appreciate the kindness, dedication, and positive leadership he brings to RGSA. I admire the way he supports students, families, and staff with so much respect, integrity, and wisdom. He is genuinely loved by everyone at the school. It is a blessing to have my daughter in a place led by such an inspiring leader. Thank you, Mr. Frier, for everything you do for our children and our community. I always say that when I grow older, I hope to carry the same energy and passion you show every single day. Thank you again, Mr. Frier.
What an amazing leader! An inspiration to sooo many, the energy and passion he has for life, service and fellow man is a breath of fresh air! His life and example can’t help but nudge you to action.
I am proud to nominate our Ridgeview Global Studies Academy Director, Mr. Frier for the Life Changer of the Year Award. He is a Servant Leader who consistently gives of himself to strengthen our school, our families, and even communities across the world.
At Ridgeview Global Studies Academy, he has built a warm, inclusive culture where every student and family feels valued. His dedication to family engagement—through open communication, Community Events, and genuine relationship-building—has united our school and created a true sense of belonging. Teachers feel supported, students feel seen, and families feel like partners in their child’s success because of his leadership.
Beyond our school walls, he models compassion and service through his work with Take Heart in Africa, the organization he helped establish to support orphans and widows in Kenya. His willingness to give his time, resources, and heart to improve the lives of others is a powerful example to both our students and our community.
He is truly a life-changer—at home, at school, and abroad—and is deeply deserving of this recognition.
If you’ve had the privilege of working with Mr. Frier, you know how fortunate you are to have him in your life. His leadership has been an incredible honor to work under. Mr. Frier has touched countless lives and continues to do so without ever slowing down. Every decision he makes keeps students and parents at the heart of his work, and we, staff, students, and families, are truly blessed to have him at our school. I wholeheartedly support Mr. Frier for the LifeChanger of the Year Award.
Mr. Frier is a role model, full of kindness and gratitude. A person that I admire for his hard work and dedication. A very respectful man full of integrity and wisdom. He is very loved by all his students and employees not only from Davenport FL. but also from Kenya. It is a pleasure working with Mr. Frier and a blessing. Mr. Frier, we appreciate everything that you do for RGSA, thank you!!!! I always say when I grow up, I want to be just like him full of energy. Once again thank you Mr. Frier.
Mr. Frier is the epitome of a role model. He leads by example with his heart and soul. He views our school as a community of students, teachers and staff all working together to create an environment that fosters learning and growing. My current role at this school is because Mr. Frier saw something in me that I didn't see myself. I will forever be grateful for his vision for me and our school, and I will not take it for granted. Mr. Frier not only supports our school, but he is also building a school in Kenya support the children in Africa.
Mr. Frier has made such an impact on our school. He is well respected by his employees, students, and parents. He hold everyone to high standards and always there to lend a helping hand. He is a man of integrity and wisdom. He has made so many of his visions come true. All in which help others. He is one of the most selfless people I know. He has dedicated his life to serving others. I can honestly say without a doubt - it has been a privilege to work under him.
Mr. Frier is such a strong role model on campus and has grand visions that he brings to life with his actions. He always leads by example and shows what it is like to work as a community. He not only supports his own school with everything he can, he also is helping those in Kenya to build a school for the children there. He is a life changer.
