SOLEDAD — Gabilan Elementary School teacher Laura Maldonado 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.
Maldonado was nominated for being a role model for others and is deeply appreciated by the Soledad school’s students, parents, staff and the community.
With over 23 years of teaching experience, Maldonado has made a lasting impact on her students and their families. Known for her passion and dedication, she goes above and beyond to connect with parents and make them feel involved in their children’s lives.
“I truly believe she cares about the people she comes in contact with, and this is why I am nominating her for LifeChanger of the Year,” said the nominator.
Maldonado captures special moments in the classroom and shares them with parents, allowing them to feel connected even when they’re not physically present. She also mentors her colleagues, organizes community events and fosters collaboration.
“She is going above and beyond her teacher duties,” the nominator added. “In the few months I have met her, she has dedicated her time to cleaning the school community garden and gathering parents and students for a cleanup. She has coordinated a classroom holiday sing-along by decorating, bringing families together, and organizing volunteers for potlucks. Teachers like Mrs. Maldonado need to be recognized. She is a role model to others and is appreciated by the students, parents, staff and community.”
Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,500 K-12 teachers, administrators and school employees in 2,300-plus 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 2024-25 school year, including one grand-prize winner who will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals and will be announced later this spring. Visit LifeChangeroftheYear.com for more information.
