National Life Group Announces 2025-2026 LifeChanger of the Year Grand Prize Winner

ADDISON, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--National Life Group announced that Business Entrepreneurship Teacher, Jenora Haynes, was chosen by an independent panel of educators as the 2025-2026 National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year grand prize winner. Haynes was selected from a pool of over 1,000 nominees from all 50 states and will receive a $20,000 prize which will be split equally between herself and her school.

Haynes teaches at Westbury High School, a Title 1 school, in Houston, Texas, where she introduced a DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) chapter to students. DECA prepares high school and college students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. She has been nominated for the National Society of High School Scholars Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction and received the DECA Outstanding Advisor Award, the DECA Advisor Appreciation Award, and the Above and Beyond Award.

One comment included on Haynes’ LifeChanger of the Year nomination profile reflects the impact she makes on her students: “Ms. Haynes . . . truly changed the direction of my life. Before I met her, I was slipping into trouble and didn’t really see a clear path for myself. But she saw potential in me that I didn’t even recognize. She pushed me to stay focused, challenged me to think bigger, and taught me how discipline and responsibility can open doors. Her belief in me made me want to do better, not just in school but in life. Because of her guidance, I stayed out of trouble and started to believe in my own future. She didn’t just teach me business—she helped me find purpose.”

“National Life Group is proud to recognize and support incredible school employees who step in and step up, every day,” said Mehran Assadi, Chairman, CEO, and President of National Life Group. “Jenora models servant leadership, giving selflessly to lift others. We hope this grand prize will not only bring awareness to her good work at Westbury High but also shine a light on her students who have persevered thanks to her encouragement.”

Haynes’ nominator wrote, “Beyond academics, she also brings in moments of encouragement, humor, and reflection to keep the environment uplifting and supportive. Whether it's starting the day with an inspiring quote, sharing real-world success stories, or simply checking in on how students are feeling, she strives to make her classroom a space where students feel motivated to show up as their best selves…she works to create an inclusive atmosphere where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks.”

Outside of teaching at Westbury High School, Haynes owns and runs Incassable Fashion that designs and sells statement pieces online.

About National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year®

National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program recognizing K-12 educators and school employees nationwide. The program celebrates those making a significant difference in students' lives by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership. Anyone can nominate a LifeChanger on the program’s website.

In addition to a grand prize, National Life Group will present 16 additional awards over the next few months to winners chosen by this year’s Selection Committee.

The National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year program was established in 2011 and has since recognized almost 10,000 school employees from throughout the country. During that time, the company has donated close to $1 million in awards to selected nominees and their schools.

Some previous winners have used their awards to further the programs they were recognized for. Brian Copes, a 2017-2018 grand prize winner, expanded the program he leads with his students at Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama to provide prosthetic legs to amputees in Honduras. He now calls his program “LifeChanger Manufacturing.”

About National Life Group

National Life Group has been keeping promises since 1848, providing access to flexible, secure life insurance and annuities for families, businesses, educators, and first responders nationwide. With an independent, entrepreneurial spirit, our values are to “Do good, Be good, Make good” for our customers, agents, employees, and the communities we serve. Learn more at NationalLife.com.

National Life Group® is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company (NLIC), Montpelier, VT founded in 1848, Life Insurance Company of the Southwest (LSW), Addison, TX chartered in 1955, and its affiliates. Each company is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. LSW is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York. NLIC, the flagship of National Life Group was founded in 1848, and all references to 1848 are attributable to NLIC.

Products are issued by National Life Insurance Company and Life Insurance Company of the Southwest.