Hampton High School engineering and architect design teacher Daniel Arnett has been nominated for the 2019-2020 national LifeChanger of the Year Award.

Arnett was nominated by a student who wished to remain anonymous. He was recognized for steadily transforming his school’s culture through his dedication, enthusiasm, and superior work ethic. Year after year, he has taken students from a rural, low socio-economic environment and helped them realize they can compete academically with other schools. Over the years, his students have accumulated over 40 state championships and two national runner-up awards at SkillsUSA.

“Mr. Arnett is a wonderful teacher and mentor. He has not only prepared me for college, but a career,” said his nominator. “My classmates and I have been given opportunities we never would have received if it weren’t for him.”

As an educator, Arnett creates a space where students can safely explore their passions. He helps students discover what career paths interest them, and he pushes them to explore their interests beyond high school.

“I decided to take his CAD classes my senior year, and my only regret is that I wish I had taken then sooner,” said Ellie Campbell, a former student. “He pushes students until they accomplish things they never dreamed possible. [Because of him], I know how to look someone in the eye with confidence, how to properly shake hands, and how to push myself to the limit to reach my goals. I can say with confidence that Mr. Arnett’s lessons go far beyond the computer.”