Pekin Community High School District 303 Educator Nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award

September 14th, 2017 – Pekin, IL. – Karli McCann has been nominated for the 2017-2018 national 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.

 McCann was nominated by her student Eva Coltrin.

 McCann is her student’s biggest cheerleader and strives to help them succeed in all aspects of life. She is always there to listen to her students when they need to talk about difficult issues, even in the face of her own challenges. Recently, McCann took over her school’s orchestra department and created a percussion class that is scheduled to start this fall.

 "I am forever grateful for all she has done for me since I walked into the band room as a freshman. She will always hold a special place in many students' hearts, and I am sure of that," Coltrin said.

 McCann is always striving to test her limits and make programs better for students. She gives back to her community and projects the belief that all of her students can be achievers if they put their minds to it.

 “Mrs. McCann is a strong, kind, bold woman and I'm glad I got the chance to spend so much time with her.” Coltrin said.

 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 2017-2018 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 will be given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. For 2017-2018, the award will be given to a nominee who works in a support role, such as a secretary, administrative assistant, or office manager. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district in fall 2017.

Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The grand prize finalists will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in spring 2018 in Bermuda, where the Grand Prize Winner will be revealed.

 Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. 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