White nominated for LifeChanger of the Year award

4:01 p.m. Jan. 23, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Kris White, who teaches physical education and fitness at Moore County High School, has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award. This national honor recognizes K-12 educators and school staff who make a real difference in students’ lives.

Moore County High School Principal Josh Deal nominated White, highlighting his positive impact on students, athletes, and the entire school community.

The LifeChanger of the Year program from National Life Group honors educators across the country who show excellence, leadership, and a positive influence both in and out of the classroom.

At Moore County High School, many see White as a key part of the school’s culture. Besides teaching physical education and fitness, he mentors students and athletes, focusing on accountability, discipline, and important life lessons. School leaders also say he represents the school well in the community and helps build connections that benefit students and programs.

“Mr. White has been a vital member of our school for the past six years,” Deal said. “He has gone above and beyond for our students as a teacher, coach, and athletic director.”

Since it began in 2011, the LifeChanger of the Year program has recognized over 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school staff in more than 2,300 school districts across the country. So far, the program has given out more than $850,000 in cash prizes to educators and their schools.

For the 2025–26 cycle, the awards include:

• One Grand Prize Winner will receive $20,000 to share with their school or district.
• Four Grand Prize Finalists will each receive $5,000 to share with their school or district.
• Ten LifeChanger Award Winners will each receive $3,000 to share with their school or district.
• One Spirit Award Winner, chosen for having the most community support, will receive $5,000 to share with their school or district.
• One SpotOne Spotlight Award Winner, recognized for excellence in a specific discipline, will also receive $5,000 to share with their school or district.s are selected by a committee composed of former LifeChanger award recipients and education professionals and will be announced in early 2026.

To be considered, nominees must be K-12 teachers or school staff who make a positive impact on students, build school pride, demonstrate strong leadership, have a record of professional excellence, foster a supportive learning environment, and uphold high moral and ethical standards.