Michelle Nowell, principal at Lower Elementary School in Kosciusko for the past 22 years, has been nominated for the national LifeChanger of the Year award.
LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the 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.
She was nominated for the award by Lower Elementary School counselor Holly-Ann Reeves, who said Mrs. Nowell is making a difference for the community and teaching kids kindness through giving to others.
In her nomination of Nowell, Reeves cited the principal’s project of kindness and giving during the Christmas season, during which she drove a bus and took students to deliver fruit baskets to retired adults, including many who had worked in her district.
Nowell, who has worked as an educator for 32 years, said she has a passion for the education of children and seeing them advance in their learning.
The grand prize winner will receive $10,000, and finalists, LifeChanger and Spirit winners receiving $5,000. All prize money is to be shared with the winner’s school or district.
Nowell said if she is a winner the money will be used in providing incentives to promote growth in reading skills and enhancing childrens’ love of reading.
Nowell said she is most proud of the founding of the Pre-K Village and the accelerated reading program.
“The Pre-K Village is my pride and joy,” she said.
Nowell also credits her staff with the success the school has seen throughout the years.
“It is all about my people that work at Lower,” she said. “We are one big family.”
