Michelle Barnette, a 7th grade math teacher from Bowdon Middle School, has been nominated for the 2016-2017 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Dr. Kiley Thompson, assistant principal at Bowdon Middle, said, “Mrs. Barnette is an amazing
individual with a reputation for excellence and a commitment to student success. She brings
great perspective to our leadership team and drives people to accomplish more through
example, encouragement, and expectations.” The principal, Scott Estes, added that, “Mrs.
Barnette has excellent rapport with her students and colleagues. She constantly searches for
ways to make her teaching more interesting and more informative. Her use of technology in
the classroom is second to none. She is truly a teacher deserving of such a prestigious award.
Bowdon Middle School is #reddevilstrong because of great teachers like Michelle Barnette.”
Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2016-2017, there will be a total of 15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. In addition, a 16th prize, the “National Spirit Award,” is given to the school and nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for his or her nomination. Each winner will receive a cash award that is split between the individual winner and their school. The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Florida. Winners will be announced in Spring 2017.
Winners will be chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be school district employees. Award winners are selected based on the following criteria:
- A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students
- An ability to positively add to the development of the school’s atmosphere
- Is involved in leadership activities at the school and/or community level
- A demonstrative record of excellent performance at the professional level
- A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere
- Adherence to high moral and ethical standards
To view Mrs. Barnette’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.
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