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Columbus Elementary School PTO Vice President, Mandi Kulhanek, has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2023-24 LifeChanger of the Year award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.
Kulhanek was nominated anonymously.
Previously a Southwest Airlines flight attendant, Kulhanek relinquished her job and discovered a newfound passion for contributing to Columbus Elementary School. Balancing her role as a caregiver to her ailing parents and being a mother of three, she willingly substituted when needed, served as the vice president of the PTO, and consistently devoted her spare time to meet the school’s requirements and assisting teachers.
Despite the challenging loss of both parents, she continued to be an exemplary mother and school volunteer, earning admiration for her unwavering dedication and determination to enhance the educational experience for all children.
“I always ask her, ‘Why are you volunteering so much of your time here?’ She said, ‘Because I love making a difference and helping people,’” said the nominator, “She has made sure all events on campus run smoothly and even dresses up as the cardinal bird to do birdie pictures in 100-degree temperatures, just to make children smile.”
Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2023-2024 school year.
(1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals, and will be announced in early 2024. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must Make a positive impact in the lives of students Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level Possess a proven record of professional excellence Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.
To view Mandi Kulhanek’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.
