Fremont Elementary School teacher Erika Laycox has been awarded a $750 Back-to-School Supply Grant from the National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year Program, an initiative that addresses the challenges K-12 educators face in providing essential supplies for their students.
Laycox, who has 14 years of teaching experience in a Title I school, focuses on creating an inclusive classroom where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn. She builds relationships with students, establishes consistent routines and celebrates student growth to help develop confidence and a positive approach to learning.
Her experience in English Language Acquisition also allows her to support multilingual learners through visual aids, collaboration, sentence stems and opportunities for students to draw on their home languages.
Laycox plans to use the grant to purchase flexible seating options, organizational supplies, including pencil pouches, storage bins and drawer organizers, and classroom preparation materials such as laminating sheets, magnetic sheets and Velcro dots. She also plans to use some of the funds for student incentives, including scented markers, stickers and milestone items such as “tooth necklaces.”
“Every one of these materials contributes to a classroom where students feel organized, supported, motivated and excited to learn,” Laycox said. “By investing in these resources, this grant will help create an environment where first graders can build confidence, develop lifelong organizational habits, strengthen social-emotional skills and experience the joy of learning every day.”
The Back to School Supply Grants aim to support K-12 educators across the nation, ensuring they can kick off the school year on a positive note.
As a recipient of the grant, Laycox was also nominated for the 2026-27 National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year program, which awards additional cash prizes to educators and their schools. LifeChanger nominees are eligible for multiple awards, including a $20,000 grand prize, four $5,000 finalist awards, 10 $3,000 LifeChanger awards and a $5,000 Spirit Award. Award amounts are divided between the educator and the educator’s school or district.
About LifeChanger of the Year
Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Seventeen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2026-27 school year.
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2027. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must meet the following criteria.
- 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
To nominate someone from your school community, visit www.LifeChangeroftheYear.com.
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ABOUT Carson City School District
Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,300 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced-placement classes, among several others. For more information, visit carsoncityschools.com.
