2022-2023
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Derrick Dixon
Third Grade Additional Adult Assistant
Bedford Elementary School
Baltimore, MD
It's an understatement to say Derrick has been instrumental in changing the trajectory of the students he supports. He meets them with love, compassion, and understanding, regardless of their outside behavior.
Derrick is known and loved throughout the building for how fully vested he is in his school's culture and success. He stays for extra events at the school and goes above and beyond for every spirit day. Last year, he volunteered to help coach and choreograph the dance team.
Outside of school, Derrick is the proud father of three sons, including one who’s autistic. Derrick combined his passion for Autism awareness and his love of fashion to create "Stomp the Runway for Autism," a charity fashion show to support children with unique learning styles in his district. This led to further opportunities to provide BCPS students with Christmas gifts, school supplies, and more.
We and National Life Group are proud to have Derrick as this year's Grand Prize winner and are giving him $10,000 to share with his school, plus a trip to Mexico in June. Learn more about Derrick here.
GRAND PRIZE FINALISTS
These educators have received $5,000 from the National Life Group Foundation to be shared between a $2,500 individual award and a $2,500 donation to their school or district.
LIFECHANGER AWARD WINNERS
These educators have received $3,000 from the National Life Group Foundation to be shared between a $1,500 individual award and a $1,500 donation to their school or district.
SPIRIT AWARD
The 2022-23 Spirit Award was given to Michael Willis for the overwhelming support his community showed his nomination. Michael received $5,000 from the National Life Group Foundation to be shared between a $2,500 individual award and a $2,500 donation to his school.
SPOTLIGHT AWARD
The 2022-23 Spotlight Award was given to Libby Micela for going above and beyond as a school counselor and fierce student advocate. Libby received $5,000 from the National Life Group Foundation to be shared between a $2,500 individual award and a $2,500 donation to her school.
CAPSTONE AWARD
In October 2022, Ellen McWilliams-Woods was named our Capstone Award winner for closing the opportunity gap for students over her 35 years as an educator. She received $3,000 from the National Life Group Foundation to be shared between a $1,500 individual award and a $1,500 donation to her district.