Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – Lamar Academy, LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program recognizing K-12 educators and school employees across the country. The program celebrates those who are making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. LifeChanger of the Year is sponsored and run by National Life Group and the National Life Group Foundation. Since its inception in 2006, the goal of the National Life Group Foundation is to do good in the communities in which we live and work by supporting nonprofit and educational organizations. We do this in a number of ways, including providing grants through the Foundation, giving employees 40 hours of paid volunteer time annually, sponsoring events, and offering in-kind donations.
Vivian Tamez, a foreign language Teacher in the International Baccalaureate Programme at Lamar Academy, was nominated by her principal, Cindy Pena, because she is an exceptional teacher with a vivacious personality and an enthusiasm for helping those in need. Tamez is a driven, organized teacher who inspires her students. She teaches French and creativity, activity, and service classes. She is a true believer in encouraging students to help the community and those less fortunate. She is relentless when undertaking a new endeavor that will assist her students and the campus. In addition, she organizes trips for students to visit prestigious universities, both in Texas and out of state, to give them exposure to university choices. Above all, she approaches each task wholeheartedly with a positive attitude and a can-do approach.
“She continuously searches for new, innovative ideas to help students achieve their utmost potential. She encourages students to become advocates for others who may be facing challenges,” Pena said. “For example, she took it upon herself to get the district involved in adopting Aransas County ISD as a sister district when the county was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. This county was in disarray after the flood waters subsided. Mrs. Tamez arranged for all the schools in McAllen ISD to donate items that the community in Aransas County needed. She not only organized the event but also arranged for students and staff to assist in the delivery of the supplies that were donated. This experience was rewarding for all students and staff who participated. Students who witnessed the devastation left with a different outlook of how quickly life can change.”
Tamez is a 26- year veteran. She has earned the respect of her colleagues and students. She is an exemplary educator who serves as a role model for her coworkers. She is not only involved in her school but in her city as the teacher advisor for the McAllen Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. She has partnered with Keep McAllen Beautiful for the Great American Cleanup and will host an Anti-Bully Rally this year to kick off Bullying Prevention Month in October.
“Lamar Academy is very fortunate to have such an extraordinary teacher who truly epitomizes what a dedicated teacher should be, “Pena said. “Vivian Tamez exemplifies Barack Obama’s quotation: The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make soe good things happen you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope. I admire Mrs. Vivian Tamez’s devotion and perseverance. Her leadership skills and no-nonsense attitude is what sets her apart from other educators. Her willingness to go the extra mile and her total commitment to educating students for the future are noteworthy virtues.”
To support Tamez, log on to her page through the link below and comment. The comments you post on her page count as votes. The grand-prize winner will receive $10,000 to be split between a $5,000 individual cash award and a $5,000 donation to the winner’s school.
https://app.lifechangeroftheyear.com/
