David Willey selected as National ‘Lifechanger of the Year’ winner
David Willey, our Construction Trades Academy (CTA) instructor at Tri-Rivers Career Center, has been chosen as a Grand Prize Finalist for the 2022-23 LifeChanger of the Year Program. He received a $5,000 prize, which will be awarded as a $2,500 individual prize and a $2,500 donation to his school.
Willey was surprised with his award Thursday, April 6, 2023 during a school assembly with more than100 students and faculty members in attendance. The award was presented to him by National Life Group representative Tony Khoury and Tri-Rivers Career Center Superintendent Charles Speelman.
Willey joined Tri-Rivers Career Center during the 2017-18 school year after working as a commercial carpenter and foreman. He had a successful career, but felt a calling to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation of carpenters.
Under Willey’s leadership, the CTA program has grown from around 20 students in the Level 1 and 2 programs to more than 100 students in the Construction Trades 10 (preconstruction), Level 1, and Level 2 programs.
Willey utilizes tradesmen he knows from the field to provide specialized training such as Computer Aided Drafting (CAD).
Willey believes every student deserves multiple chances to succeed. He guides and supports his students through difficult situations. Willey holds them accountable and teaches them to learn from good and bad experiences. He helps them to grow personally and in their chosen career paths.
“David Willey has not only built the best construction program in Ohio, but he has built strong young men and women,” said Speelman. “We—students, staff, administrators, community members— couldn’t be more thankful that he chose to leave his very lucrative career to become a teacher. What he has done and continues to do is priceless.”
LifeChanger of the Year is a national program sponsored by National Life Group that annually recognizes and rewards K-12 educators and school employees who make a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
Each year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
To be considered for an award, nominees must be K-12 school or district employees who make a positive difference in the lives of students. Award winners are selected based on the following criteria:
● 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
To learn more, visit www.lifechangeroftheyear.com.,
CONTACT: Matt Kane 978-852-0087
See full nomination at: https://app.lifechangeroftheyear.com/nomination_detail.cfm?NominationID=9223&NominationYear=2022
