120 Everyday Heroes: Celebrating the People Who Make a Difference

When we launched the Everyday People, Everyday Heroes campaign, our goal was to give our students, families, and community members a space to honor the people who inspire them. 

Today, we’re excited to share that we’ve received more than 120 hero nominations… and the list keeps growing.

That number represents far more than a milestone. It reflects the strength, love, and support that surrounds our students every day. It tells a story about the people who help shape lives in powerful ways.

Below are some of the beautiful patterns emerging from the nominations shared on our Hero Wall.

Parents Who Lead With Love

One of the strongest themes to emerge is the number of students who nominated their parents. Many wrote about mothers or fathers who work tirelessly to support their families, who teach resilience through their own example, or who show up day after day with encouragement and love.

Some spoke about sacrifices made quietly behind the scenes. Others highlighted the lessons they carry with them—strength, empathy, responsibility, hope. No matter the story, the message is clear: for many, a hero starts at home.

Teachers Who Believe in Their Students

Another large group of nominations celebrates teachers—some current, some from as long ago as middle school. Students described teachers who helped them find their voice, believe in their potential, or navigate difficult moments.

They mentioned classrooms that felt like safe spaces, and teachers who went beyond academics to offer guidance, mentorship, and confidence. In their words, these teachers “never gave up on me” and “helped me find where I fit in.”

These stories remind us how deeply education and encouragement can shape a young person’s future.

Friends Who Show Up When It Counts

Friends appear in nomination after nomination—people who listen, laugh, support, strengthen, and simply show up. Many mentioned friends who have been by their side during challenges, who lift them up on difficult days, or who make school and life feel a little easier.

Sometimes these stories are lighthearted. Sometimes they’re deeply emotional. But in every case, students are acknowledging the people who make their world brighter just by being in it.

And Yes… Even a Cat Named Oreo

One of the most unexpected—and heartwarming—nominations was for a cat named Oreo. Oreo’s nominator wrote about the comfort, joy, and companionship this furry friend brings into their life.

Other Everyday Champions

Beyond parents, teachers, friends, and pets, we’ve also seen nominations for:

• Siblings who are role models

• Coaches who create safe, encouraging environments

• Counselors and mentors who help students navigate life

• Community members who offer kindness when it matters most

These stories showcase heroism in all its forms: big and small, loud and quiet, expected and unexpected.

What These Heroes Tell Us

The variety of nominations highlights something beautiful: heroism lives everywhere.

These nominations reflect the core of the Liberty Partnerships Program’s mission—building supportive relationships, nurturing students’ strengths, and celebrating the people who make growth possible.

They show us that every act of care matters. Every encouraging word matters. Every person who chooses kindness becomes someone’s everyday hero.

Thank You — And Keep the Nominations Coming!

To everyone who has submitted a hero so far: thank you. You’ve helped create something meaningful, heartfelt, and uniquely ours.

If you haven’t nominated someone yet, we invite you to join in. Think about the people who have shaped you, supported you, or helped you become who you are.

Nominate your hero today and help us continue filling our wall with inspiration.

Visit the Hero Wall