LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile
« Return to Nominee List
Jaquanna Gillis
Position: Seventh Grade Math Teacher
School: Ruffner Academy
School District: Norfolk Public Schools
City, State: Norfolk , VA
Jaquanna Gillis received two nominations from her friend, Shavard Branam, as well as an anonymous colleague. The following profile contains text from both nominations.
Ms. Gillis goes above and beyond for her students at Ruffner Academy She always stays after hours and dedicates her time. One day, she noticed it was getting cold, and one of her students always came to school with a sweater, but no jacket. With the parents' permission, she spent her own money and purchased this student a coat. She also feeds the homeless.
Ms. Gillis very frequently receives letters of appreciation from her middle school students regarding how she helps them become confident in themselves and overcome academic and personal challenges. She is a Norfolk State University alumna and active servant in her community both individually and corporately through her sorority Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc. She's what the children need, and they are glad she's in their life!