Our very own VP Keishia Thorpe received a major surprise this week when she was named a national LifeChanger of the Year Grand Prize Finalist during a school assembly! Thorpe received a $2,500 individual cash award as well as a $2,500 donation to International High School.
Sponsored by National Life Group, LifeChanger of the Year is a national program recognizing K-12 educators and employees who make a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. Thorpe was selected as a LifeChanger of the Year winner out of more than 800 teachers, administrators and school district employees nominated nationwide.
As a young woman, Thorpe immigrated to the United States from Jamaica, earned a college track and field scholarship, and graduated at the top of her class. Since then, she has made it her civic and personal responsibility to help others achieve their own dreams of going to college.
At International High School at Langley Park, many of Thorpe's students are English language learners. To prepare students for college, Thorpe routinely stays after school to tutor and assist with college applications. Through her work, many students have taken Advanced Placement classes and earned scholarships.
Beyond the classroom, Thorpe is co-founder of US Elite International Track and Field, Inc., a nonprofit offering 'at risk' student-athletes an opportunity to use their talents as a vehicle to access scholarships to earn a college diploma debt-free.
Thorpe is also founder of the Hope Beyond Distance Foundation, a program offering support services to immigrant students and their families.