Red Cedar School’s Werner-Gavrin nominated for ‘Life-Changer’ award
BRISTOL — Jacquie Werner-Gavrin, founder and director of the Red Cedar School in Bristol, has been nominated for the 2015-2016 national LifeChanger of the Year award.
Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the 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.
Werner-Gavrin was nominated by parent William Aikman.
Werner-Gavrin helps students discover their interests through reading, sharing, writing and creative projects. Founded 25 years ago, the Red Cedar School currently has four dedicated staff members who teach 40 students across first through eighth grades.
“She and her staff have created a learning environment that is supportive, empowering and individualized that nurtures a passion for learning,” said Aikman. “She respects the dignity and voice of each student, preparing students to be stewards of the environment and active citizens of the local and world community.”
Werner-Gavrin’s curriculum covers traditional subjects in longer, focused classes and projects where students can apply their knowledge. The students ski, hike trails, build yurts and chicken coops, go on camping trips and more.
Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations. For 2015-2016, a total of 16 winners will be chosen by the selection committee to receive cash awards that are split between the individual winner and their school. The national Grand Prize award is $10,000. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony.
Nominees must be full-time school 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; involvement in leadership activities at the school and/or community level; a demonstrated record of excellent performance at the professional level; a commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere; and adherence to high moral and ethical standards.
Winners will be announced in spring 2016.
This year, a new prize, called the “LifeChanger Spirit Award,” will be given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for his or her nomination. Support can be demonstrated through positive comments on the nominee’s profile page, social media posts, and school and community recognition activities. A resource page with ideas for ways to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyearnominees.com/showspirit/.
To view Werner-Gavrin’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.