June 1, 2026

Brad Thompson has been recognized as a 2025-26 National Life Group LifeChanger of the Year Award Winner. Thompson is a former Choral Music and Drama Teacher from Hughson, Calif., who retired last year after three decades of teaching at Hughson High School and has won $3,000 to share with his school, Hughson High School and Hickman Charter School.

As Drama Teacher, Thompson guided Hughson High School and Hickman Honor Choir students through two productions each year with multiple performances at the high school for the public, Hughson’s elementary school students, Samaritan Village residents and other learning and educational groups. He directed choir students from brand-new beginners to advanced students. During his time, Thompson launched the WaterMusic Program, a non-competitive music festival inviting Hughson, Hickman Charter, Gregori, Pitman, Turlock, and Waterford High Schools to come together for two days to learn and perform together at the Great Wolf Lodge. He also helped begin a new tradition at Night of the Arts, an evening that unites the visual and performing arts departments in a student art and photography show and spring concerts.

To surprise him, Eric and Robin Anderson arranged a Zoom call with Thompson and Camellia Williams and invited his former coworkers, students, and friends to join them in the Ella Webb Theater at Hughson High School. There, Williams made the announcement.

The Andersons, who nominated Thompson for the award, emphasized the way Thompson helps students develop into leaders. They specifically highlighted the way Brad helps students develop into leaders.

In his teaching, Thompson emphasized leadership, interdependence, and excellence using the vehicles of music and drama. He likewise developed the Excellence in Music curriculum used with students, a seven-volume work. Each volume contains a workbook and 24 recorded lessons available to students for free online.

"Generations of students and parents will forever be positively affected by who Mr. Thompson is and how he teaches. Mr. Thompson is not only a LifeChanger of the Year, but a LifeChanger of a lifetime," said the Andersons.

During the surprise Zoom call, Robin Anderson read testimonials from past students and colleagues about the impact Thompson made on them. “Even when I didn’t believe in myself, Mr. Thompson believed in me,” one former student said.

“Well deserved, well earned!” said Katye Maki, who now serves as Choral Music Teacher, told him.

Thompson thanked Williams and all those who came, expressing his joy at seeing them again. He thanked his wife “for everything she has done, making it possible. She’s been with me all the way through; my children, as well. It has been a life’s work.”

The call finished with those in the theater taking a moment to say hello and reconnect with one of Hughson’s favorite teachers.

The LifeChanger of the Year program is a national program that recognizes educators for the positive difference they make in the lives of their students, for being leaders in the school community, for exemplifying excellence as educators, and for creating a nurturing atmosphere in schools. Through the LifeChanger of the Year program, National Life Group strives to spotlight all the good happening in schools across the country.