COVINGTON, Ga. - Clements Middle School principal, Fredrick Richard, has been nominated for the 2018-2019 national LifeChanger of the Year award. Richard is being recognized as a LifeChanger in his community for his leadership and positivity. In each of his roles before principal – assistant principal, athletic director and interim principal – Richard has consistently been an enthusiastic leader and example for both staff and students. 

Richard was nominated by a colleague, Jacqueline Pennington. 

"His impeccable leadership and organizational skills are worthy of emulation,” Pennington said. “In my seven years of working with him, I’ve never known of him to be tardy or absent. He is always ready to work and always does a tremendous job, no matter the task. His high standards and high expectations speak for themselves and have had a profound ripple effect with our staff, faculty, and students.” 

“On behalf of the Clements Middle School family, I am pleased, honored and humbled to accept the Life Changer nomination for our school,” Richard said. “Thank you to Dr. Jacqueline Pennington for nominating me for this most prestigious 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. 

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2018-2019 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) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. For 2018-19, the Spotlight Award will be given to a nominee who works in a counseling role (e.g, guidance counselor, social worker). The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.
  

Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The grand prize finalists will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in April 2019 in Hawaii, where the Grand Prize Winner will be revealed. 

Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals. 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