Emily Scroggins at Harvest Elementary School is a nominee for LifeChanger of the Year. CONTRIBUTED

HARVEST – Emily Scroggins, who works as guidance counselor at Harvest Elementary School, has been nominated for the 2015-2016 LifeChanger of the Year national award.

Sponsored by National Life Group Foundation, the LifeChanger of the Year program recognizes and rewards the country’s best educators and employees in public and private schools with grades K-12. These professionals exemplify excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Harvest Principal Brett Chapman nominated Scroggins.

Each school year, LifeChanger receives hundreds of nominations. For 2015-2016, a selection committee will choose 16 winners to receive cash awards, split between the individual and school. National grand prize is $10,000.

“Ms. Scroggins makes it a priority to meet the needs of students, teachers and community each day. She spends time getting clothes, food and school materials for students,” Chapman said. “She has connected with community members, local businesses and churches to help provide for Harvest students’ basic needs.”

Twice monthly, Scroggins meets with each class to facilitate small-group discussions about topics like anger management and bullying. She arranges motivational speakers and events for positive impact to all students.

“She began a mentoring program that connects local high school students to Harvest students who need a strong positive influence,” Chapman said. “More than 30 high school students meet twice a week with their Harvest student to provide encouragement and work on character development.”

Students with discipline issues receive help from Scroggins. “Her goal is to help find the root of the behavior and help address each individual student’s needs,” Chapman said.

Officials will use several points to select winners:

* Proven ability to benefit students’ lives.

* Improvements to school atmosphere.

* Involvement with leadership activities at school, in community or both.

* Record of excellent performance as a professional.

* Commitment to a nurturing atmosphere and ethical standards.

Winners will be announced in Spring 2016. To view Scroggins’ profile, visit LifeChangeroftheYear.com.