Stephanie Rhinehart, principal of Santa Cruz Elementary School, has been nominated anonymously for the national LifeChanger of the Year award, which honors K–12 educators and school employees who “make a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.”
Rhinehart assumed the role of principal five years ago, marking her first year in administration. According to her nominator, she “effortlessly carries herself as a leader who cares about all students and staff.” She is recognized for her consistent communication, providing feedback to employees and offering guidance to help them grow professionally.
“She always speaks with her staff when they are doing a good job or need improvement,” the nomination reads. “She bonds with every student she sees; they love greeting her with a hug or a high five.”
Parents and colleagues have echoed these sentiments.
“Mrs. Rhinehart has been absolutely incredible. She knows all of the kids’ names. She genuinely cares about each student,” said mom Mary Collazo.
Mom Meghan Bremer highlighted Rhinehart’s leadership during challenging times, saying: “She came in during an exceptionally difficult time for all educators and students with COVID and distance learning … Every challenge that has come, she has conquered.”
Under Rhinehart’s leadership, Santa Cruz Elementary achieved an “A” rating from the state last year. Bremer added, “Even with a billion new students, she gets to know each of them by name.”
Staff members also praised Rhinehart’s support. Stacy, a transportation employee, noted: “Ms. Rhinehart is the most supportive staff member I’ve worked with. She always shows her appreciation to the drivers.”
Krystal Ash, a kindergarten paraprofessional at Santa Cruz, summarized the community’s appreciation in an interview with InMaricopa yesterday: “Ms. Rhinehart is [a] fantastic principal. She deserves this award for all her hard work. She has transformed our school into a wonderful place for students to learn and for teachers to work.”
The LifeChanger of the Year program, sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation in Montpelier, Vt., recognizes K–12 educators and school employees across the country who make a significant difference in the lives of students. Nominees are evaluated based on criteria such as making a positive impact on students, enhancing the school’s atmosphere, demonstrating exemplary leadership, and adhering to high moral and ethical standards.
Each year, the program awards several educators, including a Grand Prize winner who receives a $10,000 personal cash award and a $10,000 donation to their school or district. Additional awards include Grand Prize runners-up, LifeChanger Awards, the Spirit Award and the Spotlight Award, each with corresponding cash prizes split between the winner and their school or district.
Rhinehart’s nomination puts her among 178 educators nationwide and three from Arizona who received this nomination.
