SDCOE Food Services Assistant Nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year Award

Rosalba Contreras, a food service assistant at the San Diego County Office of Education, has been nominated for a LifeChanger of the Year award.

She was nominated for the award by her colleague, Ana Lopez Hernandez, food services program supervisor for JCCS. 

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. 

Show your support by:

• Leaving a congratulatory message for Rosalba Contreras on the LifeChanger of the Year website 
• Thanking her personally for her dedication to students' well-being
• Spreading her message of hope: "Everything will be okay—this too shall pass."

Hernandez describes Contreras as “dedicated, inspiring, and compassionate.” 

“Rosalba ensures her students receive nutritious, balanced meals that support their learning and overall well-being. Her uplifting attitude creates a positive, motivating environments for all,” said Hernandez. "Her unwavering belief in me and reassuring words have made all the difference. She has a unique way of making you feel truly welcome and confident in facing any challenge." 

Hernandez went on to say that Contreras is the “heart of the team - a true go-to person whom everyone trusts and relies on and embodies what it means to be a LifeChanger.”

Contreras was a food service assistant at North County Academy for two years until she recently moved to SDCOE’s main office as a Food Service Program Assistant. 

Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2024-2025 school year.

Nominees for the award are K-12 teachers or school district employees. Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2025. They receive a cash prize that is shared with their school/district.

Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,500 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in more than 2,300 school districts. The program has awarded over $790,000 in cash prizes to winners and their schools for making a significant difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.

Learn more about the LifeChanger of Year award at their website.