Washington Junior High students and staff surprised Special Education Teacher Liz Wayne with a cake and flowers on Tuesday, April 30 to present her with an award as Life Changer of the Year 2018-2019. 

 

Last fall, Washington Jr. High School (WJHS) special education teacher Liz Wayne was nominated for the 2018-2019 national LifeChanger of the Year award by Principal Kristin Allen and WJHS parent Fred Venable.

 

Voting concluded in December, and Wayne was listed in the Top 35 of over 800 nominations. Special representatives from the National Life Group Foundation traveled to Rock Island to present Ms. Wayne with the Honor Roll Award for being in the Top 35 of over 800 nominations. 

 

Washington Junior HIgh School parent Fred Venable III, was the driving force behind Ms. Wayne's nomination. Venable was told that his son, Fred IV, would probably never read a book in grammar school. "Liz was able to tap into Fred IV's potential and eventually he managed to surpass all his Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals so much that the school has had to revise the IEP."

 

The LifeChanger of the Year Award is sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation and recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership. The ultimate Grand Prize Winner will receive $10,000 to be shared with their school/district.