CHUGWATER – Prairie View Community School first and second grade teacher Alesha Rafael has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2024-25 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. 
Rafael was nominated by a grandparent of a student, Tina Dunlap-Kirlin, for making a transformative impact on Dunlap-Kirlin’s granddaughter, Braylee, by unlocking her potential and fostering academic and personal growth.
Braylee is a seven-year-old girl with autism. After struggling in kindergarten, Braylee started first grade at the new charter school in Chugwater, where Rafael quickly recognized her needs and worked with the director to implement the necessary support.
Within weeks, Braylee was reading and writing, and her emotional breakdowns decreased. Since then, Braylee has read over 200 books, earned Honor Roll recognition, and gained confidence in her abilities.
“None of this would have happened without Mrs. Rafael’s dedication and care,” said Dunlap-Kirlin. “She has helped build Braylee’s foundation for future success. Braylee will continue her journey with Mrs. Rafael in second grade, and we are deeply grateful for her unwavering commitment.”

About LifeChanger of the Year
Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,500 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in 2,300+ school districts. The program has awarded over $790,000 in cash prizes to winners and their schools for making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. 

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 2024-2025 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 2025. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must
Make a positive impact on 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
If you’re interested in nominating someone from your school community, or would like information on past nominees, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.