Bradwell Institute’s Oddett- Marie Alexis has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2024-25 LifeChanger of the Year award.

Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the U.S. who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Alexis was nominated by Roland VanHorn, her principal.

“Our LifeChanger, Mrs. Alexis, works as Bradwell Institute’s parent, family, and community engagement specialist. In that role, she ensures that 1,900 scholars and their parents are aware of resources available from the school and school district and acts as a liaison between the school and families,” said VanHorn.

Alexis created a engagement platform called Parent University. The topics discussed and taught are directly from parents, families, and community member’s requests.

She is also an executive board member for Big Tide Change Makers. The Big Tide movement allows high school students to explore innovative careers and learn about resources to shape their future.

Alexis works to bring a mammography van to campus to serve the staff and community via a program called Buddy Check 3. The annual visit has resulted in many teachers receiving their first mammogram.

She is also a mother of children who have served or are currently serving in the Navy, Army, and U.S. Marine Corps.

“Mrs. Alexis is a LifeChanger. Her life’s work has surely resulted in a better experience for many people in our community,” VanHorn said.

Each school year, National Life Group’s LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2024-25 there will be a total of 17 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. The awards structure is as follows:

• 1 national grand prize winner • 4 grand prize finalists • 10 LifeChanger Award winners • 1 Spirit Award winner • 1 Spotlight Award winner 

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 grand prize winner will also receive an all-expenses paid vacation to Maui in May 2025.

Winners will be announced in spring 2025.

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 A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at https://lifechangeroftheyear. com/showspirit/.