LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Alix Laforest

Position: Librarian
School: Dallas International School
School District: Dallas International School
City, State: Dallas, TX

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Music that Describes Alix

Alix Laforest was nominated by her colleague, Jennifer Kim.

"If you're not sure, ask Alix."

"Alix is one of the most knowledgeable and wisest people I know, yet she is one of the most enthusiastic people regarding self and professional development," said Kim. "Her quest to learn and diligence to stay informed with the latest news and trends is inspirational. She indeed seems to carry the keys of the world's library in her pocket and supports her community with the resources in whatever tasks they partake in."

Ms. Laforest is the pillar, a solid foundation of Dallas International School. No one has held more positions than Ms. Laforest simultaneously. Outside her role as a librarian, she has served as a CAS coordinator, Model UN/JWAC sponsor, Peer-to-Peer tutoring coordinator, NHS committee chair, Investment Club advisor, and European College Counselor. Her tireless devotion and support have helped many students at DIS develop their passion and confidence in their abilities to make a difference in the world. While some students may not realize her support during high school, many alums return and share their gratitude during the school's annual alum week.

Ms. Laforest is the most generous person with her time and resources. She prioritizes students' needs over her breaks and holidays, especially during the college application season. She remains available for her students even though the school does not require it. Due to her long tenure, she's known most high school students since they were in 5th grade. Ms. Laforest knows each student's strengths, weaknesses, and ambitions. Ms. Laforest constantly challenges her students to think and reflect beyond the surface level academically and socially. Her main concern is that all her students tune into their inner passion and strength rather than get caught up in the college ranks and prestige. Her individualized support has helped students find the best-matching programs in European countries, where many alums now thrive as students and professionals.

"I love that Alix doesn't sugarcoat things to make people feel temporarily good. I can trust her input because I know she truly means it," said Kim. "Her constructive and honest feedback helps her peers and students improve, and she takes no credit for their achievements."

"Working with Alix was the best part of my tenure at DIS, and I am thankful for her wisdom, guidance, and friendship throughout the years," said Kim. "DIS is lucky to have Alix Laforest on its team. Her passion for education, loyalty, and dedication to her community should be recognized and pronounced, as she is an instrumental asset to the school community."

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Comments (5)

F. Trapp Posted over a year ago

Alix Laforest is a very competent and dedicated educator and a genuine giver. She has been giving for many years to the Dallas International School community everything she could and even beyond. Along the years, Alix played several roles in her library. Besides her very essential librarian position, she played a European counselor role for our students and guided them, mostly those who wished to continue their study overseas. Her clear vision of the European and Canadian college's expectations help our students to make the best choice for them. She also mentored more than 4 different clubs, peer to peer activities and honor societies… that she led during her lunch or after school. She has incredible knowledge and worked tirelessly to help students follow the latest news. Her fine culture, dynamism and professionalism add to her renowned expertise. Not only did she care for her students but every year she actively carried out different projects, cultural as well as environmental. Her compassion, her patience, her 24/7 support and extended availability shows the wonderful heart she has for the Dallas International School community. She would make sacrifices in order for her students to avoid missing any opportunity. Always with the highest standard of professionalism and respect of the individuals; she is the person who, day after day, supports students in their path to success. Everybody dreams to have met a person like Alix in their school life, she is a model for the teaching community, and her dedication and wisdom is a treasure for each and every student that she meets. Thanks to Alix, tens of students have started their college life on the best path they could have imagined, and many of them thank her for making them realize that no dream was out of reach if you work hard enough.

Ishita Helm Posted over a year ago

Thank you for all you do!!

Student at the school Posted over a year ago

Mme. Laforest is a complete lifechanger and I don't know what DIS would do without her. She sends in the school supplies all the way from France, knows everyone's strength and weaknesses and is always reaching into school togetherness. Students having difficulties in a language class like Spanish? She reaches out to those whose native language is Spanish. At the beggining of the year, Mme. Laforest organizes the peer to peer program, taking in account the students' schedules and preferences (ex: parents of girls usually prefer to be paired with girl tutors). She organizes chess tournaments my classmates can participate in with the rest of the country, has all the books the students study throughout the year in enough copies for everyone stacked in her closet, is always open to letting clubs like the investing club use the library, is currently organizing a french used book fair with the NHS....the list goes on and on. Not to mention she is an amazing mentor! It isn't uncommon for juniors to walk in unannounced and say "I am looking for a college in Swizerland..." and Mme Laforest knows all the right questions to ask, and will give so many useful details into choosing the right college match for you! She undenially deserves much more credit.

Jennifer Carmichael Posted over a year ago

Mme Laforest is great with the students. She cares and wants them to succeed. We love the peer-to-peer programming and how she runs the library.

Carole MACGREGOR Posted over a year ago

Alix Laforet has been a great helper throughout my son’s college application process. She is very knowledgeable regarding all kinds of European or International colleges. She’s also a great librarian ! Wishing her the best and the victory she deserves!