PLYMOUTH – Plymouth High School math teacher Janelle Grube has been nominated for the 2021-2022 National 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.
Grube was nominated by her principal, Joe Morabito, for the energy and enthusiasm that she has for her students and mathematics.
“Mrs. Grube truly is a LifeChanger for so many of us who are fortunate enough to be near her on any given day,” Morabito said. “Her work is always done with the highest amount of integrity and adherence to moral standards in her professional and personal lives.
“This past fall, Janelle had some medical issues that caused her to miss the beginning of the year. After recovering from a major surgery, she has since hit the ground running and come back stronger than ever. I can attest that we sorely missed her in her absence. Plymouth High School was not the same without her.”
Morabito said Grube is always the first one in the building and last to leave, and she’s never alone. She is constantly tutoring and mentoring students, even former students who need further help in their college math courses.
“She has created a culture of compassion and drive to help students in all areas of life,” Morabito said. “She took the initiative to bring college math courses into the high school, because most of the students could not take part in these course offerings due to transportation difficulties getting to and from the college campus.”
Grube saw the need and took it upon herself to ensure these classes would be offered. Other teachers have since jumped on board as they realized the need to provide the college options.
“Thanks to her willingness to bring in these classes, Plymouth High School now offers more college math courses than any other high school in the area,” Morabito said.
Grube’s leadership has reached far beyond the walls of Plymouth High School. She serves as a key member of the Plymouth Lions Club and has revitalized the Plymouth Academic Boosters Club. Without her leadership and devotion to these groups, they were in danger of not being able to exist anymore.
About LifeChanger of the Year
Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2021- 2022 school year.
(1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
(1) Capstone Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee retiring at the end of the 2020-21 school year. The winner will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school or district.
(1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year.
For 2021-22, the Spotlight Award will be given to a school nurse. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals, and will be announced in early 2022. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must
Make a positive impact in the lives of students
Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture and pride
Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
Possess a proven record of professional excellence
Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards
A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.
To view Janelle Grube’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.
