Bridgewater principal in running for Life Changer award

The winners will be announced in the spring with a personal visit to their individual schools.

By Amy Quesinberry Price
| 2:24 p.m. February 6, 2025

Amy Klaber has been nominated as a Life Changer of the Year through National Life Group.

West Orange Times & Observer
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Amy Klaber, the principal of Bridgewater Middle School, is one of the finalists for the Life Changer of the Year award through National Life Group. The annual honor recognizes educators and school employees nationwide who inspire and go above and beyond for their students. The program celebrates those making a significant difference in students' lives by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

I was truly humbled and surprised to learn that I had been nominated for the Life Changer of the Year award,” Klaber said. “To be recognized for something I love doing — serving my students, school and community — is an incredible honor. This nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire school community. I am incredibly proud of my students, their achievements and the positive impact they have on our community.”

Klaber’s nomination was submitted anonymously.

The award is given, in part, to educators who go above and beyond for their students.

“I believe I go above and beyond for my students by prioritizing their overall well-being,” Klaber said. “I focus not just on academics, but also on their emotional and social health, striving to create a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable and can thrive.

“I take the time to understand individual student needs and provide personalized support,” she said. “Furthermore, I foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages teamwork between teachers, students and the community. I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, promoting active engagement and participation from all stakeholders. I aim to inspire and empower students by instilling confidence and helping them take ownership of their education. I strive to be a role model with my optimistic outlook and unwavering determination.

“By actively engaging in various school activities and utilizing communication and empathy skills, I work to build a strong sense of connection with students and their families,” she said. “Finally, I am committed to upholding high moral and ethical standards in my interactions, setting a positive example for others with integrity and a strong sense of personal responsibility,” Klaber said. “These actions reflect my dedication to going above and beyond for my students, creating a positive impact on their lives and fostering a safe and thriving learning environment.”

The prizes range from 10 Life Changer awards at $3,000 up to the $10,000 top award. The amounts are split evenly between the individual and his or her school.

“If I'm fortunate enough to win, I would use the personal award to further my professional growth through learning opportunities and continuing education,” Klaber said. “This will allow me to bring the latest best practices and innovative teaching and leadership methods to my school. As school budgets can always be a challenge, I would work closely with teachers and school staff to identify areas of greatest need and provide funding to directly support student learning and well-being on our campus.”

Life Changer of the Year is sponsored and run by National Life Group, a more-than-175-year-old financial services company that serves K-12 educators nationwide. The company created the LifeChanger of the Year program to shine a light on the field of education, celebrate school employees and provide them with the resources they need to succeed while they’re in the classroom and beyond.

National Life Group’s charitable arm, the National Life Group Foundation, provides cash prizes for the Life Changer of the Year program.

AMY KLABER'S NOMINATION

Amy is an exceptional individual who has repeatedly proven her ability to make a beneficial difference in students' lives. She is a dedicated principal who puts the students' success at the forefront of her work. Her unwavering commitment to their success is evident in every interaction she has with them.

Amy goes above and beyond to support her students academically, but her priority is ensuring they are emotionally and socially healthy. She takes the time to understand her students' needs and creates a safe and supportive learning environment where they can thrive. Amy's impact on her students is immeasurable, as she instills confidence and self-belief that helps them achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Her guidance and support empower students to take ownership of their education and become lifelong learners.

Amy's dedication to her work and students is remarkable, and it is no surprise that her colleagues and students highly regard her. Her exceptional ability to make a positive difference in students' lives is a testament to her passion for education and unwavering commitment to her students' success," said the nominator.

The exceptional leadership at her school fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity, where teachers, students and community members work together to create a safe and welcoming environment. Her approach is inspiring and practical, encouraging active engagement and participation from all school community members. This collaborative spirit permeates every aspect of school life, from classroom activities to community events, creating a sense of shared purpose and belonging.

Amy contributes significantly and positively to developing the school's atmosphere. Her optimistic outlook and unwavering determination serve as a source of inspiration for her fellow students, instilling in them a sense of purpose and motivation. Her outstanding communication skills and empathy help create a more welcoming and inclusive school environment. She actively engages in various school activities. Amy helps build a strong community among the students, further enhancing the school's atmosphere. Amy possesses the indispensable qualities and skills to improve the school's environment, and we wholeheartedly recommend her for this role.

It is truly remarkable to witness the level of success that Amy has achieved in her professional career. Her accomplishments are truly exceptional and leave a lasting impression on anyone who has had the pleasure of witnessing her work. Throughout her career, Amy has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, delivering outstanding results that have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers. Her track record of exceptional performance is all the more impressive when you consider the challenges, obstacles and setbacks she has had to overcome along the way. It is a testament to her resilience, dedication and hard work. It is no wonder that her achievements leave us speechless and wondering what her secret is.

Amy is truly an exceptional individual who is deeply committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment. Her dedication to this cause is truly inspiring, and she always goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone around her feels valued and respected. In addition to this, Amy is also known for her unwavering commitment to upholding the highest moral and ethical standards in all of her interactions and endeavors. Her integrity and sense of personal responsibility are remarkable and set a shining example for others.

It is clear that Amy's commitment to creating a positive and uplifting atmosphere is unmatched, and her contributions to this end are deeply appreciated by all who know her.

author

Amy Quesinberry Price

Community Editor Amy Quesinberry Price was born at the old West Orange Memorial Hospital and raised in Winter Garden. Aside from earning her journalism degree from the University of Georgia, she hasn’t strayed too far from her hometown and her three-mile bubble. She grew up reading The Winter Garden Times and knew in the eighth grade she wanted to write for her community newspaper. She has been part of the writing and editing team since 1990.