Dawe Elementary Principal Up For LifeChanger Of The Year Award

STOUGHTON, MA — Dawe Elementary Principal Robert Cancellieri was one of 12 Massachusetts educators nominated for the national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

The award recognizes an educator's ability to make life-changing differences for the students in their community. Cancellieri was nominated by Jennifer O'Sullivan, his school's speech-language pathologist. According to Sullivan, Cancellieri is a great listener who values every student and faculty member at the school. She credited him for making the school a positive place for all students, peaking highly of his morning announcements and caring personality.

"The connections he has made with the students of this elementary school are remarkable. I believe he knows the name of all 349 children who attend the Dawe School," said O'Sullivan. "Mr. C. is often seen joining a physical education class, playing football on the playground at recess, teaching students about the rules of four square, sitting in on classroom lessons, high fiving students in the hallways, or doing magic tricks in the cafeteria. His commitment to his Dawe School Dragon family goes above and beyond the duties of a principal."

When Cancellieri was first told he was nominated, he hadn't heard of the award. He said that although the nomination has his name on it, the staff and students also deserve credit.

"When she told me, it was very surprising and just a nice thing...It was very flattering," Cancellieri said. It's about staying true to the philosophy that everything we do is for the kids. This honor is a representation of the entire elementary school."

Winners will be announced at surprise award ceremonies at their respective schools later in the year.

Photo courtesy of Dawe Elementary