Student Nomination Story

My name is Jacob Molina and I am 16 years old in 10th grade. Mr. Lisojo was my freshman year English teacher. I will never forget walking into his classroom on the first day of school because it was the first time that I felt I was going to like a teacher. I'll be the first one to admit that school has never been my thing, and I have never had a great relationship with school. Although it was the first day of school, something about Mr. Lisojo drew me in, and that had never happened before. What I didn't know on that first day of school was that Mr. Lisojo would change my life forever. As time went on, Mr. Lisojo and I formed a really special bond, and he became more than my teacher. He became my best friend and my second Dad. It got to a point where I would look forward to going to school just because I knew that I would see him and get to talk to him. Even though he was my English teacher and we had to read books and write, all I wanted to do was talk to him. I felt that I became a better person and more inspired every time we had a conversation. For someone who has always hated school, he made me care about my education and about life in general. No teacher had ever done that before, so that is when I knew that Mr. Lisojo was the real deal. I will be honest in saying that I have been through some pretty difficult things in my life and have struggled a lot. I truly believe that Mr. Lisojo was the angel that I needed all of my life. I truly believe that God knew that I needed someone to save me from going down the wrong path, and then I met Mr. Lisojo. I prayed for someone like him for so long. My freshman year was really hard for many reasons, but the only positive thing about it was Mr. Lisojo being by my side through some of my darkest moments. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. He believed in me when all of my other teachers didn't. He believed in me even when I gave him reasons not to believe in me. Mr. Lisojo has taught me so many things that I will keep with me for the rest of my life. He taught me the importance of never giving up, even when life gets hard. He taught me that life is what you make of it, and if you're not having fun it's your own fault. He taught me the importance of saying I love you as often as possible because life is too short. He taught me that at the end of the day, we all make our own choices. He taught me at the end of the day how to be a respectful young man. I honestly could write an entire book on how Mr. Lisojo is easily the best teacher in the world. I know that if it weren't for him, I'm not sure where I would be right now or what path I would be on. He changed the trajectory of my life, and I owe it all to him for believing in me and for loving me as if I were his own son. There would be no me without him. Him winning this award would make me the happiest person in the world because he doesn't ever get the recognition he deserves. He gives 110% every day to his students and never ever puts himself first. He stays after school almost every day to work with students, and he legit carries a backpack filled with Rice Krispie treats and water bottles for his students. I thank God every day that our paths crossed, and I genuinely hope he can be recognized for being the most selfless man I have ever met. I believe in my heart that he is here doing God's work and changing lives every single day that he steps into Dover High School. Mr. Lisojo will forever be my second dad and best friend in this life. He is forever my family and my parents also owe so much to him It would be such an honor for me to be by his side if he gets honored by you guys for not only changing my life but for changing lives everyday. Please consider him for this award as I know so many of my classmates would love for him to be recognized for what he does. He will be the principal one day!

Jacob Molina

Hi my name is Nicole I am 16 years old. This is my first year as a freshman at Dover High School. Mr.Lisojo made a huge impact on my learning experience, And not only that but he made it fun to learn as well, He's such a wonderful person let alone a teacher, not only is he always there for me, he made learning in a certain subject so easy for me when it was hard before, I can tell he always wants the best for his kids and finds ways to make anything easier. he always makes sure I'm doing okay and when he walks in the class he always has a smile on his face that always boost my mood. Mr Lisojo makes everyone feel welcomed and not only that he cares about every single one of his kids. I feel like everyone needs a teacher like him. even when I'm having a bad day going into his class makes me feel better like a safe space. I believe that he truly deserves this because he has been the best teacher I've had.

Nicole Millacet

I just want to start this off by saying that Mr. Lisojo wasn't technically my teacher and he is still the only person in my school that has made a lasting impact on my life. Mr. Lisojo was my brother Jacob's English teacher and that's how I got to know him. He actually ended up becoming my teacher mentor for last school year and that's when I was able to really connect with him. He would check up on me and we would always look at my grades and attendance. I have never met someone like him before and he is the first teacher to make me even care about school in the smallest way. I have always hated school but there's something about Mr. Lisojo that just makes you want to make him proud. He has the biggest heart in the world and will do anything for his students. He is the teacher in my school that when you're walking down the hallway you hear other students screaming his name just to say hello or good morning. He has become like family to my family and it really is crazy to me because I have never experienced this love and support before from any teacher. Even when I made bad decisions in school, he wouldn't yell at me. He would sit me down and have a conversation with me and ask me what I learned from my mistake. Mr. Lisojo is one day going to be the principal or superintendent of a school and I cannot wait until that day happens. He is someone that every student needs and my parents have said it since we first met him. He is an angel and has this way about him that allows him to connect with every single student no matter their background or story, Mr. Lisojo deserves this award a million times over.

Santiago Molina

Mr.Lisojo is the best teacher Ive ever had. He's helped me through many of my struggles and lever let me down and has always been by my side. Throughout freshman year I was struggling and he did not give up on me when everyone did and that's why I appreciate him so much. He's such a great teacher and he helps me with school to this day. He's one of the reasons I still come to school because school without seeing Mr. Lisojo is not school. I get excited to go to his class because he's just good vibes all around. There hasn't been a day in class that I don't want do his work. His work is amazing and I never want to let him down. He proves and shows that he cares about me everyday because he loves each and every one of his students unconditionally. He helps me get better grades, gives me good advice, and reminds me to stay positive even when life is hard. This year during my sophomore year he went to all of my home basketball games and he supported me through this year when no other teacher would. I knew that I could look into the crowd and see his face and that always made me so happy. He is the person in my life that pushes me every day to be the best version of myself and I would not be where I am today without his love and support. I owe everything to him for dedicating so much of his time and energy to shaping the young man I am becoming. He deserves this award more than anyone in the world and I would love nothing more than for him to get the recognition he deserves for being the best teacher I've ever had.

Osvaldo Ortiz

Osvaldo first met Mr. Lisojo in his freshman year English class two years ago. Their relationship didn’t start off perfectly—Mr. Lisojo challenged Osvaldo because he knew my son wasn’t showing the best version of himself. I used to get frequent calls about missed assignments and poor choices in class, but underneath every phone call was a message of hope. Mr. Lisojo wasn’t giving up on my son—he saw greatness in him and was determined to help him find it. Halfway through that year, something shifted. A bond was formed between them—one built on honesty, respect, and genuine care. Osvaldo realized he had a teacher who not only pushed him but believed in him deeply, who held him accountable yet listened without judgment. From that point on, Mr. Lisojo became more than a teacher; he became a mentor and, truly, a life-changing presence. By sophomore year, even though Osvaldo no longer had him in the classroom, the mentorship only grew stronger. Mr. Lisojo checked in regularly on his grades, his attendance, and most importantly, his well-being. That year brought Osvaldo personal struggles, but I am convinced that he made it through because of the safe haven Mr. Lisojo provided. Osvaldo would often tell me the only reason he even wanted to go to school some days was to see Mr. Lisojo. When life felt heavy, he sought him out—and no matter how busy he was, Mr. Lisojo always made time, even if it meant staying late. That kind of selflessness is rare. Any student who crosses his path is truly blessed. As a mother, there is no greater joy than seeing someone love and believe in your child. Over these years, Mr. Lisojo has become part of our family. He doesn’t just teach—he shows up. He goes to Osvaldo’s football and basketball games, camera in hand, capturing moments so students can hold onto memories forever. He celebrates them, cheers them on, and makes each one feel valued. He is the kind of teacher who walks into a room and is instantly greeted with shouts of joy—“Hi, Mr. Lisojo!”—because every student knows he cares. There is no one more deserving of this honor. Mr. Lisojo embodies what it means to be a teacher, a mentor, and a role model. His presence at Dover High School has been transformative—he has brightened hallways, inspired futures, and changed lives, simply by showing up every day as his kind, humble, and authentic self. I am forever grateful that my son has him as a mentor, and I know without a doubt that Mr. Lisojo will continue to be a part of our lives for years to come. His impact is immeasurable, his love for his students undeniable, and his legacy truly inspiring.

Francisca Rodriguez

Today I write these words from the heart to express all the beautiful things that have happened to us since we met one of the greatest human beings, the best teacher, Omar Lisojo. With affection, we lovingly call him “Lisojito.” I still remember when he came into our lives at a time when our family was going through one of its hardest moments. We were broken, searching for nothing more than a voice of encouragement—especially for our children, who despite the struggles, had to keep living their lives and focusing on their studies. As a mother, the greatest gift was knowing that my children had someone so extraordinary to lean on—someone who would listen, support, advise, and speak life into them when they needed it most. That filled me with joy, because every mother’s deepest wish is to have wonderful people surrounding her children—people who bring only positivity, light, and hope into their lives. From that very moment, everything changed. Our lives took a new direction, because Omar didn’t just come into our lives—he became a part of our family. He has continued guiding my sons, and ever since he’s been with us, Santiago Molina Delgado and Jacob Molina Delgado have completely transformed. They have grown, matured, and learned how to live with integrity, becoming young men determined to move forward. Each word of advice from him gave them strength, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose. And thanks to him, today they are responsible, hopeful, and positive young men. Because that is what Lisojo gives—he radiates peace, encouragement, and the ability to see each day through a lens of positivity and strength. Thank you, Lisojito, for so much and for everything. Our hearts will always carry gratitude for you.

Nancy Delgado

To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.