LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Lance Conner was nominated by one of his colleagues.

Mr. Conner, Mr. Conners, Mr. O'Connor. These are the many names that students have for Lance Conner at Winfield High School. Though he is truly only Mr. Conner, he's a man who wears so many different hats in his district, it would seem as if he is three different people. 

“He always makes me have a smile on my face and is making me laugh.”

“He’s a chill guy and always asks how my day is going.”

“We’re lucky to have such a role model for our kids!”

These are just a few things students and community members say when thinking about Mr. Conner.  He is the assistant principal, greeter, the guy with water bottles, the tutor, lunch lady, the mentor, someone you can trust, and so much more. No matter the job, he consistently shows up and does it with heart and a positive attitude, whether it’s in his job description or not. 

Mr. Conner is the first in the building and often one of the last to leave, not because he has to be, but because he truly cares. He takes the time to invest in students' lives, both in and outside of school. He knows their academics, interests, home lives, and the score of the game they played in last night. Mr. Conner doesn’t just know the student, but the kid. For that, he has earned students' respect and hearts. 

Whenever a need arises, he is the first to volunteer his time and efforts to help the cause. For example, when his school was turned into a Red Cross shelter during a local flood, he helped to support the shelter and transition the summer school learning environment overnight. When COVID-19 hit, and everyone was confused on the next steps, he educated himself and began jumping into a role that no one could have ever prepared for. He fills all the gaps, often before others even realize a gap exists. 

Mr. Conner seamlessly balances what it means to be an educator and leader. He is informed on all of the district's policies, laws, and mandates, and he enforces these responsibly and ethically, while also maintaining positive relationships with staff, students, parents, and the community as a whole. It takes a special person to be able to hold this role and still be well-respected by others, even in situations where they may not agree. 

"Winfield High School would not be the school it is today without Mr. Conner. He is a living example of relationship-first education.  Kids do well if they can, and they can when they feel like they belong. Mr. Conner does everything in his power to make sure every student who passes through his care feels as if they belong and are valued, despite any other experiences they have had. He has not only changed the lives of our students, but our community as a whole," said his colleague.