Coshocton County educators nominated for national LifeChanger award

Three Coshocton County educators—Natalie Prince, Dawn Ward and Reece Brown—were nominated for the 2025–2026 LifeChanger of the Year Award from National Life Group, which recognizes K–12 school staff for positive influence and leadership. Winners will be chosen by a committee and announced upcoming.

Three Coshocton County educators have been nominated for the 2025–2026 LifeChanger of the Year Award from National Life Group. The award recognizes K–12 educators and school staff who demonstrate excellence, positive influence and leadership. The local nominees are Natalie Prince of Coshocton Elementary, Dawn Ward, a fourth-grade teacher at Ridgewood Middle School, and Reece Brown, a first-year second-grade teacher at River View Elementary. Each nomination highlights efforts to create emotionally and academically supportive classrooms and to build strong relationships with students and families. Key details: - Natalie Prince was nominated for fostering a physically, emotionally and academically supportive classroom in a self-contained kindergarten through first-grade setting. - Dawn Ward was nominated for a 25-year teaching approach focused on building strong relationships with students and parents and sending daily notes home that highlight student accomplishments. - Reece Brown was nominated in her first year for creating a supportive classroom centered on relationships, clear expectations and emotional safety, and for getting to know students individually. - Since 2011, more than 8,600 school personnel in about 2,300 districts have received the LifeChanger Award, and the program has awarded more than $850,000 to winners and their schools. - Prize structure announced for this cycle includes a $20,000 grand prize to be shared with the winner's school district, four finalists receiving $5,000, ten standard award winners receiving $3,000, a $5,000 Spirit Award and a $5,000 Spotlight Award. - Winners are chosen by a selection committee made up of former winners and education professionals, and will be announced upcoming; program information is available at lifechangeroftheyear.com. Summary: The nominations place three local teachers in contention for national recognition and school award funding. Winners will be selected by a committee of former winners and education professionals and will be announced upcoming. Undetermined at this time.