We all know teachers and school district employees who inspire us and go above and beyond for their students. Maybe you think of your middle school physical education teacher who started a nonprofit to teach students about art and music, or an administrator who visits the homes of students in need, or maybe a custodian who fundraises for school programs. Educators often are lifechangers for students and one local educator has been nominated for a LifeChanger of the Year award.
LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program recognizing K-12 educators and school employees across the country, and Ms. Kathy Kish, Principal of Indian Woods Elementary, has been nominated for the national award. Ms. Kish joined Port Huron Schools in 2017 after a long career as a teacher, counselor and administrator in a neighboring district. According to the nomination by Port Huron Schools Executive Director of Student and Staff Services Tracie Eschenberg, Ms. Kish does not just work with students and their families during typical school hours. She goes to their neighborhoods to make connections, from staff Christmas caroling and back to school home visits, to group bike rides and Popsicles with Principal Kish.
In addition to leading the school, Ms. Kish coordinates with other local charitable organizations to provide for the needs of her families. One of those is Tires and Treads, a nonprofit that serves to collect and provide gently used clothing (especially shoes), as well as funding so that elementary schools can replenish their supply of these items, should they run out. Ms. Kish also created an outdoor food pantry, which is filled weekly by staff and other donors. The pantry is open to families and the Kimball community.
Community members can vote for Ms. Kish to win the LifeChanger award by visiting Port Huron Schools social media pages or visit LifeChangeroftheYear.com
