Cape educator nominated for LifeChanger of the Year Award

Cape Henlopen High School JROTC instructor Sgt. First Class Richard Hurt has been nominated for the 2016-17 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, the national LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the very best kindergarten through 12th-grade public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Hurt was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

Hurt is the coach and advisor for a variety of after-school activities such as drill team, raider team, color guard and academic/leadership challenge team. All of these teams are regularly awarded for winning major competitions. Hurt spends countless hours after school working with students to pursue excellence. His students perform a tremendous amount of community service, and "Sarge" is always the first one there, modeling his positive, highly contagious attitude.

Hurt's nominator cited several examples of how he has impacted students, such as helping a student win a $20,000 scholarship. "Last year, he insisted that a student apply for a scholarship sponsored by Dell," said his nominator. "This student dragged her feet, but Sgt. Hurt kept insisting that she was good enough and convinced her to complete the application. Unsurprisingly, she won a $20,000 scholarship from Dell to attend college, where she is now working on a degree in international affairs."

Additionally, Hurt has purchased food and clothes for many students, as well as a handsome suit for a student who wanted to attend prom.

Each school year, the LifeChanger of the Year program receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For 2016-17, there will be a total of 15 individual LifeChanger of the Year awards. In addition, a 16th prize, the National Spirit Award, is given to the school and nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. Each winner will receive a cash award that is split between the individual winner and their school.

The national grand prize award is $10,000. Winners are announced via surprise award ceremonies held at their schools. The top five winners will also be honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Fla. Winners will be announced in spring 2017.

Winners will be chosen by a selection committee composed of former winners and education professionals. Nominees must be school district employees. Award winners are selected based on the following criteria:

• A proven ability to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students
• An ability to add positively to the development of the school's atmosphere
• Involvement in leadership activities at the school and/or community level
• A demonstrative record of excellent performance at the professional level
• A commitment to producing a nurturing atmosphere
• Adherence to high moral and ethical standards.

For more information and to view Hurt's LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, go to www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.