2021-2022
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Barbara Yarbrough
Parent Liaison
Barbara’s not just a parent liaison. She has long been a pillar of the Midland ISD community, where she first began teaching at a segregated black high school in 1959.
Barbara calls people by name - remembering them, sometimes, from a classroom 50 years ago - and asks about their lives and families. She remembers their parents, their families, and their triumphs and tragedies. She loves deeply and places that love into action each and every day, impacting this generation. At almost 86 years old, she greets children daily outside of her campus. She ensures that they have food in their house, clothing and shoes at the ready, and most importantly, an advocate who unconditionally supports and values them as they are.
As the Grand Prize Winner, Barbara has received $10,000 to be shared between a $5,000 individual award and a $5,000 donation to South Elementary School.
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 2021-22 Spirit Award was given to Alejandro de la Pena for the overwhelming support his community showed his nomination. Alejandro received $5,000 to be shared between a $2,500 individual award and a $2,500 donation to his school.
SPOTLIGHT AWARD
The 2021-22 Spotlight Award was given to Michele Harold for her outstanding work as a school nurse, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Michele received $5,000 to be shared between a $2,500 individual award and a $2,500 donation to her school.
CAPSTONE AWARD
In August 2021, Mary Jo Montenegro was named our Capstone Award winner for tirelessly supporting English language learners over her 31 years as an educator. She received $3,000 to be shared between a $1,500 individual award and a $1,500 donation to her district.