School Nurse Nominated For 'LifeChanger' Award

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — Coventry Elementary School nurse Eren Hendrix has been nominated for the 2021-2022 national LifeChanger of the Year 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, according to a news release.

Hendrix was nominated by her principal Matt Grubbs.

"When the doors open to welcome the 560 students to Coventry Elementary, there is Mrs. Hendrix," said Grubbs. "The staff, students, and community count on her and rely on her for all sorts of things, from diagnosing head lice, to handing out band-aids, to administering COVID rapid tests. Her job description has changed, but her smile and caring attitude only got stronger."

No matter what insurmountable task is at hand, Hendrix never gets frazzled or angry. She makes a difference every moment in the lives of the students she sees. From keeping upset parents calm when their children may have been exposed to COVID, to providing ice to a kindergartener who’s just bumped their leg, Hendrix does it all with a smile.

"The Coventry community is lucky to have such a person in their lives," said Grubbs.

About LifeChanger of the Year

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2021-2022 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) Capstone Award Winner - This award is given to a nominee retiring at the end of the 2020-21 school year. The winner will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school or district.
• (1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. For 2021-22, the Spotlight Award will be given to a school nurse. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

The nomination deadline is December 31, 2021. Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals, and will be announced in early 2022. 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