Success Stories

These stories aren’t your average classroom experiences. They’re made possible by Classroom Champions’ unique approach to mentorship. Through consistent connection and purposeful social and emotional learning instruction, classrooms become places where confidence grows, resilience is practiced, and every student feels seen and supported.

More Than a Program

For more than a decade, educator Annette Bacon has used Classroom Champions to transform her kindergarten classroom. Through authentic connections with Athlete Mentors, including Paralympian Chuck Aoki and Olympian Chris Mazdzer, her students have gained confidence, empathy, and real growth in social and emotional skills. The program did more than uplift students — it helped Annette embrace resilience and model perseverance on her own journey. Classroom Champions has made her classroom more compassionate, connected, and celebratory of each student’s progress, proving this mentorship model goes far beyond a curriculum.

The Power of Athlete Mentorship

When Rhode Island special education teacher Samantha Goldman brought Classroom Champions into her classroom, the impact was profound. Over the past five years, her students have gained confidence, resilience, and communication skills through meaningful connections with world-class Athlete Mentors. Olympians and Paralympians shared real stories of struggle and perseverance, helping students reframe their challenges and grow. Her story is proof that Classroom Champions doesn’t just support classrooms — it transforms learning environments, builds lasting relationships, and empowers both students and teachers to thrive.

A Decade of Transformation

Fifth-grade teacher Christina Stone has partnered with Classroom Champions to build confident, resilient student leaders. What began as a chance connection with Paralympian Lex Gillette turned into a mentorship journey of over ten years that has touched hundreds of students, year after year. Christina says Classroom Champions isn’t “more to do”, rather it makes SEL meaningful.

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