Hurt wins cash prize and chance for national award
Cape High JROTC instructor Sgt. Richard Hurt has a one in 15 chance to win the LifeChanger of the Year Award, and he likes his odds.
But he wants to thank everyone who helped make it happen.
“This award isn't just about me,” he said, during a ceremony April 10 celebrating his selection as LifeChanger of the Year finalist.
As a finalist for the national grand prize, Hurt received $3,000 that he split with Cape High, and the chance to win $10,000 more.
Hurt was one of 720 educators nominated for the award from across the country. His anonymous nominator noted that Hurt has a larger-than-life personality which motivates his students. Hurt works with ninth-grade students enrolled in Cape High's JROTC program.
“The bottom line is that Sgt. Richard Hurt has been, and continues to be, the epitome of a LifeChanger,” his nomination read. “There are so many students who come back to visit him, share their successes and show off their families to him. He changes the lives of everyone he comes into contact with, and the students are proud to come back and let him know and thank him.”
Beth Rusnock, president of National Life Group, the insurance company that sponsors the award, said they knew they had a winner by all the positive comments he received online.
“And he responded to them all, which says something about him,” she said.
Col. Ronald Erale, who works with Hurt at Cape High, said over the years, he has watched Hurt serve as a positive influence in many students' lives.
“He's a surrogate father to those who need that,” he said. “And he continues to do it beyond school hours.”
Cape High senior David Collard thanked Hurt for everything he's done.
“Thank you for your betterment of the community and those around you,” he said.
Hurt said he believes connecting with students is the best way to guide them to success.
“Students don't know who you are until they know you care,” he said.
As a LifeChanger winner, Hurt now stands a chance at earning a top five slot. The top five winners will be announced this spring and honored at a national awards ceremony in Naples, Fla., where the grand prize winner will be announced.
