Abel Zumaya Named a LifeChanger of the Year

Nevada, Texas – Community Independent School District custodian Abel Zumaya Rodriguez has been nominated for National Life Group’s 2025-26 LifeChanger of the Year award. National Life Group’s 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. 

Zumaya Rodriguez was nominated anonymously.

Zumaya Rodriguez has a wonderful ability to build meaningful and respectful relationships with the students. By taking the time to listen to them, he learns about their individual strengths and challenges. He responds with patience and empathy, creating an environment where students feel comfortable and supported.

Zumaya Rodriguez’s approachable nature and genuine interest in students’ lives foster trust and open communication, allowing students to feel seen and valued. 

“Mr. Zumaya Rodriguez understands his students and gets along well with them at his school,” said the nominator.

This isn't the first time Mr. Zumaya Rodriguez has been recognized for being an amazing person. The CHS Volleyball made national headlines after partnering with Group 1 Ford of Rockwall and J.R. Arey State Farm Agency to gift Mr. Zumaya Rodriguez with a car, which you can read about here.

Leave a positive comment about Zumaya Rodriguez to help him advance to the next round! All comments are considered by the judging panel.

Click here to leave a comment and help Abel win $10,000!

About LifeChanger of the Year

Since 2011, LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators, and school employees in 2,300+ school districts. The program has awarded over $850,000 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.

• (1) Grand Prize Winner – will receive $20,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (4) Grand Prize Finalists – will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (10) LifeChanger Award Winners – will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (1) Spirit Award Winner – This award is given to the nominee whose community demonstrates the most support for their nomination. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
• (1) Spotlight Award Winner – This award is given to a nominee in a specific discipline each year. The winner will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school or district.

Winners are chosen by a selection committee composed of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2026. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must:

• Make a positive impact on the lives of students

• Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture, and pride

• Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level

• Possess a proven record of professional excellence

• Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning

• Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards