LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Robyn Zipes' nominator would like to remain anonymous.

"Ms. Zipes is one of the best teachers I have ever had," said the nominator. "She shows a true passion for her job and her students. Ms. Zipes provides a safe and welcoming environment for her students, both past and present, that they might not have elsewhere. Her class curriculum covers tough subjects like child and animal abuse, domestic violence, and poverty. Ms. Zipes can educate her class on these topics while creating a safe place for her students to come forward and share their own experiences with abuse and poverty."

While also teaching 7th and 8th grade, Ms. Zipes is the cheer coach and Student Council advisor. Her extracurricular work allows her to connect deeply with several students not taking her class. Ms. Zipes is affectionately referred to as "Mama Zipes" by most of her students, which shows that she holds a vital, almost parental role. Her role in her students' lives is life-changing. Several of her past students have reached out and explained her impact on their lives. During her 16 years at Navo Middle School, Ms. Zipes fostered a welcoming community for not only her students, but any student that came to her door. 

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