Gulf Coast teachers nominated for LifeChanger of the Year

Ten educators across the Mississippi Gulf Coast have been nominated for LifeChanger of the Year.

This program recognizes educators and school employees who are making an impact in the lives of students by promoting excellence, positivity, and leadership.

Locals can nominate someone who they see making an impact: Crystal Leshore is one of them.

She has been teaching middle school math for twelve years and has always approached the classroom with the purpose of building children up.

“Every day I wake up and I’m just here for the kids,” Leshore said. “And I just never thought somebody would nominate me, but apparently, they see something in me that I did not see in myself. So, my ultimate goal is to always push kids to be the best that they are, to make sure they can bring out their full potential and that’s why I’m here at Central Middle.”

If she wins, Leshore plans to use the money to upgrade technology at Gulfport Central Middle School.

The largest grant is $10,000. There are smaller grants valued at $2,500.

Other educators and faculty nominated on the coast include:

Julia Speed, a history teacher from West Harrison High School

Tiffani Pollard, an English teacher from West Harrison High School

Sonya Ford, a work-based learning instructor at Moss Point Career & Technical Education Center

Cynthia Harris, a welding instructor at Moss Point Career & Technical Education Center

Juliette Mims, a custodian at Moss Point Career & Technical Education Center

Delfred Farve, a custodian at Bay High School

Leslie Lovell, a business marketing CTE teacher at Pascagoula’s College and Career Technical Institute

Samantha Farmer, a fifth-grade math teacher at Orange Grove Elementary School

Visit lifechangeroftheyear.com for a full list of candidates.