Two Penquis Valley educators nominated for National LifeChanger of the Year award
MILO — Penquis Valley Middle/High School science teacher Christopher Bessey and visual arts teacher Sasha Bladen have 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.
Bessey was nominated for creating a welcoming and interactive science classroom. He greets students personally, encourages questions and fosters curiosity through discussion. Students are motivated with personalized incentives and enjoy a positive, structured environment that promotes learning and responsibility.
Bladen was nominated for her dedication to student engagement and learning. She inspires students through ceramics, ensuring every middle schooler completes a project and offering advanced classes for high school students — often providing materials from her own resources.
An accomplished educator, Bladen was named Key Club Student Choice Teacher of the Month in June 2025 and has twice been nominated for Piscataquis County Teacher of the Year. She also contributes as yearbook advisor, Key Club advisor and head track and field coach, positively impacting her students both inside and outside the classroom.
Since 2011 LifeChanger of the Year has recognized and rewarded more than 8,600 K-12 teachers, administrators and school employees in 2,300-plus 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.
The grand prize winner will receive $20,000 to be shared with their school/district.
Four grand prize finalists will receive $5,000 to be shared with their school/district.
Ten LifeChanger award winners will receive $3,000 to be shared with their school/district.
The Spirit 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.
The Spotlight 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. 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; and adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards
A resource page with ideas for how to celebrate nominees can be found at http://lifechangeroftheyear.com/showspirit/.
To view Bessey and Bladen’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profiles, or to nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.