LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Julie Yost-Minnich was nominated by her principal, Clark Olstad

"Mrs. Yost-Minnich is a one-of-a-kind teacher," explains Olstad. "Julie has many great qualities as a teacher. Her gentle and kind approach to all students and families is one of her best qualities. For many years, I have heard the following comment from Julie many times: 'The student is a great kid and comes from an amazing family.' Julie has the unique ability to see the 'good' in a child and to help each student believe they are a special individual with incredible talents to share with the world. All students know that Julie truly cares for them much more than just as a student in her classroom. Her quiet and gentle classroom atmosphere is one of the best I have ever had the privilege to observe as a principal. Julie is also the mother of two amazing children and married to a wonderful husband. The importance of family is a key to Julie's overall fantastic personality at home and school." 

"Another great quality of Julie's is her sense of humor," said Olstad. "I made a joke with one of Julie's fifth-grade students in the past and asked the student if it was funny. The student quickly commented that my joke was not funny, but she said that Julie's jokes are always funny and hilarious! Julie's sense of humor is another key component of what makes her an incredible educator. She can challenge students academically at all times while using humor to put smiles on the students' faces and to keep the classroom atmosphere calm and relaxing, which is a great learning environment."

Olstad recalled a quote from Amelia Earhart: "A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves."  

"Julie is the kindest teacher I have ever worked with, and her kindness continues to change the world one student at a time in her classroom. It's amazing to observe each year in her classroom how she creates an atmosphere of students being kind to each other. She is, and will continue to be, a LifeChanger to many students and families at Plainview-Elgin-Millville Community Schools!" Olstad said.