HDT - Extraordinary Educators - June 2022

Extraordinary

Educators

FEATURING THE FIVE CHOSEN EDUCATORS FROM THE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR AND ALL THE NOMINEES

2 | June 25, 2022

Extraordinary Educators

Kelly Durr

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By Mary Drier - For the Tribune

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lthough Kelly Durr’s official title is principal of Ascent High School in Bad Axe, he is much more than

that.

Durr also teaches for five hours a day at the alternative learning center. He teaches algebra I, algebra II, geometry, physical education, and physics.

“Overall we have a pretty small staff, and that is what makes Ascent work,” said Durr.

“Besides me, we have a half-time teacher for English, a teacher who teaches art and photography a couple of hours in the afternoon, a paraprofessional that runs the online lab, and a secretary.

“The secretary also serves lunch and breakfast, and does some guidance counselor work as well.”

Durr credits the school’s size for its success.

“Because we are small, the kids can build relationships with the staff. The kids thrive better in smaller settings and they get basically one-on-one attention,” he

said. “The students embrace the smaller feeling, and the relationship they can have with a smaller enrollment and with staff.

“Those two caveats are what makes Ascent a successful program.”

Ascent is designed for students who are looking for a fresh start. Some may have gotten suspended from their previous district so they go to the school looking for a fresh start.

The district’s enrollment averages between 50 to 60 students.

Durr took on the dual role of administrator and educator during the 2021 - 2022 school year. He has been with the district for about 11 years.

“As an alternative high school, Ascent takes kids from all over the county from all school districts to provide them with a general education setting,” explained Durr. “The kids that we get are behind on credits for one reason or another.

“We serve kids who are not doing well in a standard educational setting. The kids

come to us and we help them get caught back up on their lessons.”

The Ascent High School is located in the former Green Elementary Building in Bad Axe. As both a teacher and administrator at Ascent, Durr said he feels the school provides a key service.

“If our program didn’t exist, I don’t think some of them would have graduated.

Since the school started, I think we have graduated over 200,” Durr noted. “They got their diplomas in hand that they may not have done otherwise. That is a huge accomplishment for them and for the community.”

Another plus for Durr is he is from the area. He graduated from Bad Axe High School in 2005. He went on to Alma college for a Bachelor degree, and then earned a Masters Degree in Central Michigan University.

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Beth Fischer

By Mary Drier - For the Tribune

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here is an advantage in going back to where you started from.

Beth Fischer, who is originally from Ruth, moved away after graduating from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science Education, but ended up returning to her home area to teach, where she met the man that would become her husband, and where she has been a teacher for more than three decades.

Fischer was selected from the nominations that were made for the Huron Daily Tribune’s Extraordinary Educators Program.

Fischer, who is a teacher in the North Huron School District, has been an educator for 31 years. Her first teaching job was in Huston, Texas.

It would be three years before she returned to her home area at the encouragement of her parents to take a job to be closer to home.

“Part of coming from a rural area and

coming back is that hometown feeling, knowing everyone, and how we support everyone. Coming from an area like that helps understand the kids and their families,” said Fischer.

“I have no idea how many I have taught over the years. “There have been so many students, and I’ve had a personal connection to them.”

Part of that connection might come because she has followed some students throughout their time in school.

She spent 10 years teaching kindergarten.

“In that position, you are part mom and part teacher so with that you feel close to the kids,” said Fischer who has taught a variety of grade levels as well.

She started out wanting to be a middle school math teacher, which is what she went to college to be.

“I got ‘pink slipped,’ but there was an opening in another grade and I had the certification for it so I took that position.

“In a small school you fill in where there

is an opening and in different positions.

So it can change from year to year.”

She estimates the North Huron School District has an enrollment of about 500 students.

During her time at North Huron Schools, she has taught nearly every grade level from middle school on down as well as a variety of classes. During the 2021 - 2022 school year, she taught middle school math, English, drama as well as a writing class, which was a first for her last year.

“Teaching that writing class was an interesting task. The kids had so much creativity and so much energy for it. At that age, they have such imagination in what they can write,” she said, noting it was a learning experience all the way around.

And, she will be teaching a writing class again when the 2022 - 2023 school year starts.

She credits her going to education was Continued on page 12

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Extraordinary Educators

Amy Rothe

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By Connor Veenstra - Staff Writer

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his year, the Huron Daily Tribune held its first Extraordinary Educators program, where readers nominated educators throughout the county to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. The results are in from our local panel: Ubly Elementary’s Amy Rothe has been chosen as one of the five Extraordinary Educators!

Rothe started her career at Ubly right out of college in January 1991, having graduated from Central

Michigan University the previous year. Since she grew up in Ruth and graduated from Ubly High School, she was already in familiar territory when she started. She and her fiance, now husband, were both from the area and wanted to stay in Huron County if they could.

“We would’ve moved if we had to, but our goal was always to settle here,” she explained.

Luckily, they were both able to find work, with Rothe starting as a perma-

nent substitute in Ubly Elementary’s special education program. However, she wouldn’t be there for long, as the elementary principal very quickly offered her the first grade position for the fall of 1991. She very quickly accepted.

Rothe has enjoyed every second of her 31 years at Ubly Elementary, from the people she’s worked with to the students she teaches.

Continued on page 9

Kerri Snider

By Mary Drier - For the Tribune

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hen Kerri Snider started her teaching career in the Lakers School District, she came in with a different perspective than her peers.

Besides starting out working as a paraprofessional, Snider worked at one of the country schools that are still operating in Huron County.

Those unique experiences helped her garner recognition in the Extraordinary Educator Program. As such Snider will receive a $250 award as

well as one for Laker Schools.

After graduating from the Spring Harbor University in 2013, she started working at the Church School as a paraprofessional.

Before that she worked at Michindoh, which is a summer camp near the Spring Harbor University.

“I really enjoyed working there with middle-school aged kids, and teaching them about science,” said Snider.

That love of teaching and helping students when she worked as a para-

professional at the rural school directed her towards being an educator.

Rural schools, like the ones in Huron County, include students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“With all of those grades together, there are not a lot of students. At rural schools, we are like a family because they are so small. Everyone knows everyone. That creates a ‘family vibe,” Snider explained.

Continued on page 14

Ellen Yaroch

By Mary Drier - For the Tribune

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s a teacher with a career spanning 25 years, Ellen Yaroch learned education is ever evolving with constant learning required.

“Continuing education is very important in order to stay updated in instructional practices that benefit children and build an engaging classroom community,” said Yaroch, who teaches at the North Huron School District.

Case in point, educators at

North Huron recently took part in a professional development opportunity that was presented by Peter Liljedahl.

“Liljedahl’s theory involves problem solving tasks which engage students thinking collectively, learning together, and constructing knowledge through leveled activity and discussion versus the old traditional teaching pattern of ‘I do. We do. You do,’” explained Yaroch, who was among those selected as an

Extraordinary Educator, which qualified her for a cash prize of $250 as well as $250 for her school district.

Yaroch credits her teaching skills to more than two decades in the classroom, continuing education, and witnessing expert teaching skills from her co-workers over the years.

“The school community is made up of so many different individuContinued on page 12

Extraordinary Educators

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Erica Mausolf – Zion Lutheran School

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Mrs. Kramer - Ubly Community Schools Mrs. Kramer instills a love of learning for agriculture in her students.

Passion for Teaching, Love for the Lord and our Children Mrs. Mausolf is the most patient and kind kindergarten teacher I have met. I truly believes she loves every little friend that steps into her classroom and she loves to watch them grow.

All of my children in school have adored Mrs Mausolf. She puts her love for our children and the Lord first; her motherly attitude makes it easy for the children to feel comfortable.

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our Teachers!

our Teachers!

Mrs. Booms Harbor Beach Community Schools I’m so grateful that she has made my son feel happy and confidant during his transition into kindergarten. He comes home happy and enjoys his days at school. It gives me peace to know he’s well cared for and learning lots.

Thank you for all you do for the kids!

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our Teachers!

Thank you for Everything you do!

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Mrs Kramer truly cares about her students and they become a part of the FFA family. She makes a huge impact on them by guiding and supporting them in and out of the classroom. She encourages and challenges them to be the best that they can be.

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Julie Stoyka Laker High School This teacher will go above and beyond for anyone, at anytime. She has the biggest heart, with the most contagious smile! She sure knows how to make an impact on each and every one of her students!

Thank you for Everything that you do!

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Extraordinary Educators

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Tanya Evans Owen-Gage Schools She is very supportive and listens to all the students and they love her.

All the students just think she is the greatest because she is sweet, kind and caring. Mrs Evans doesn’t just dismiss anyone, she tries to help everyone.

Thank you for Everything you do!

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Jessica Heilig - Ubly Preschool She loves her preschool children like her own.

She is fun, positive, upbeat, caring and makes every child feel like they belong and are loved. Always in a great mood and smiling. She goes above and beyond.

Thank you for Everything you do!

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Haley Dhyse North Huron Schools She has an absolute love for teaching and making a difference in every students life. She has always wanted to be a teacher since she was little. She finds joy in her career and loves seeing the children develop as they learn new things.

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Mrs. McLean - Caseville Public Schools She is an extraordinary teacher! The sweetest lady I’ve ever met! She was the best kindergarten teacher for my son that I could have asked for!

Thank you for Everything you do!

Thank you for Everything that you do!

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Extraordinary Educators

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Robbi Shaffer Cross Lutheran School For their astonishing love for teaching.

An absolutely wonderful human who has an incredible passion for teaching and loving kids.

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Marcia Brock Harbor Beach Schools After over 30 years of teaching in Huron County, Marcia Brock recently officially retired. Her dedication to the youth in Huron County has not stopped though as she has continued to be a substitute teacher including many long term assignments when teachers would go out on extended leave.

Marcia loves nothing more than giving back to the youth of Huron County.

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Melissa Kramer Ubly Community Schools Melissa is a one of a kind teacher, mentor and friend. She has a connection with students that most people just don’t understand and it’s a connection that is hard to come by. Not only is she great at her job, she makes everyone feel welcome in her classroom. I have been so lucky to have been able to work along side Melissa and have watched how truly amazing she is.

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Nikki Tibbits – Ubly Schools Awesome teacher who always puts her kids first!

Thank you for Everything that you do!

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Extraordinary Educators

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Joscelyne Schlabach Bad Axe Public Schools Joscelyne Schlabach for heart and dedication.

I nominate Joscelyne Schlabach for her dedication to not only the students she works with on a daily basis but also her interaction with any child sh comes in contact with. She has went above and beyond in so many ways and has a real care for the students. She is filled with joy while working day to day, makin special treats multiple times a year and getting extra crafts and or items students may need. Her heart is with her daily while working with the students and she tries with every tasks to make it a good learning experience for all around her. Thank you for Everything you do!

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Mrs. Howard-Breault Bad Axe Elementary School Mrs. Breault is one of the kindest souls I have eve met. She had both my children an despite them being polar opposites she was a perfect fit for both and helped them both exceed expectations academically socially and emotionally. Thank you for Everything you do!

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Vicky Sacrifices herself for well being of all her kids Vicki works with my special needs son who most have not been able tohandle and when she is there he is a different person he has grown so muchwith her and watching her work so hard

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Jamie Orlik - Laker Schools She is kind, patient and fun.

Thank you for Everything that you do!

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Extraordinary Educators

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Sarah Blacker Harbor Beach Community Schools

Mrs. Sarah Blacker Harbor Beach Community Schools Mrs. Sarah Blacker goes above and beyond with all of her students not only is she a science teacher she is also a FFA advisor when her students does contests or conventions or any other field trips she makes them prepared 1st

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Marilee Faist Owen-Gage Schools Mrs. Faist is an amazing Kindergarten teacher and mother to her own two children, one of which is special needs. Thank you for Everything you do!

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Extraordinary Educator Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination for the 2021-22 School Year! We look forward to continuing this program for the 2022-23 school year. Look for the nominations to start in the fall!

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Dale Grifka Laker High School He is an amazing math teacher! He makes sure everyone understands the content!

Also an amazing volleyball coach if you were to ever need one in a pinch.

Thank you for Everything you do!

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our Teachers!

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Kelly Durr Continued from page 2 Durr credited the positive experiences he had with those who were his teachers as what drew him to pursue a career in education.

“The most influential people in my life were the teachers I had. I thought it would be a job I would enjoy, and one I could do in my home area,” he said. “That was important to me. I wanted to live in this area. I like living here, and being a teacher would give me an opportunity to be back in this area.”

When he came back to Huron County, his first teaching job was with the Harbor Beach School District.

“The most appealing part of being an educator is the satisfaction of feeling I’m making a difference in a kid’s life. That is important to me,” said Durr. “There are jobs where you just make a living, but I feel it is important to make a difference in the community. I feel that being a teacher does that.”

Extraordinary Educators

Amy Rothe

That is what Ascent High School was based on, and Durr feels that was the reason for his selection for the Extraordinary Educators Program.

“Over the years we have had a great staff here. I’ve worked with a lot of different people who believe in our program.

The man who founded Ascent did an awesome job and so does all of the staff.

It takes a special kind of person to have developed this program and some really excellent people who help make this school what it is,” said Durr.

“I’m lucky to be a part of this. I’m flattered to have been honored with this award.

Besides being a teacher and an administrator, he has also coached football, basketball, and baseball. He still coaches baseball in Bad Axe. Durr and his wife, Victoria, who is a registered nurse, share their home with a goldendoodle dog named Max, and a cat named Mitzi.

Continued from page 3 “That’s why I’m honored and shocked (about winning this nomination), because there are many wonderful teachers at Ubly,” she said.

“I love those moments when it just clicks in (the student’s) mind and suddenly you see that light bulb go on and they go, ‘Wow, I get it!’” she added.

In her time, Rothe has taught multiple generations of students, including three from her 2021-2022 class whose parents were in her class before.

“It’s fun to have the kids of my kids,” she said.

Every child she teaches, no matter how old, becomes a part of her life, Rothe explained. She found herself crying on Ubly’s last school day, Tuesday, June 7, when she realized that she would miss all the students who were about to leave her class.

“I’ve had 600 kids, but they’re still mine,” she said.

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Rothe has learned, and is still learning, much in her time as a teacher. Her biggest lesson has been to recognize and adapt to each student, because each child needs to be taught in their own way and changing your style to match them is part of being a good teacher.

“It’s not just the standard lecture from the front, all kids learn differently,” she explained. “Some kids need to do, some need to see, some need to hear.”

Each of the Extraordinary Educators gets a cash prize of $250, with an equal amount going to their school. Rothe said she will probably either spend it on something for her next class or on her first grandchild, who she’s expecting to arrive in August 2022.

After all the time spent in education, Rothe is grateful to have a job that she wakes up excited about, that doesn’t feel like an obligation whenever she clocks in.

“I get to spend my day with a bunch of wonderful people that I love,” she said.

Congrats to our nominated teachers!

Thank hank you y to all of our teachers for or doing their best for students, every day.

Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port

Laker Schools

Every day, we help students find their “why.”

www.lakerschools.org

EPBP Lakers

Extraordinary Educators

10 | June 25, 2022

Kelly Stapleton Bad Axe Schools

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Tanya Evans Owen-Gage Schools She’s great with all the children and awesome at

what she does. She’s not only a great teacher but is

Mrs. Stapleton is amazing.

an even better person.

My daughter says she is the best because she is so nice.

Thank you for Everything you do!

Thank you for Everything that you do!

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Jessica Tenbush Adams Rural School She is an amazing teacher.

She goes above and beyond to make sure all her students are comfortable, safe, & learning to the best of the ability.

Thank you for Everything you do!

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Brian Wright Owen-Gagetown Area School Brian Wright has been teaching for 30+years.He has coached basketball and baseball. He teaches science, health, biology and P.E. He is the father of one son. He loves teaching and coaching kids.

Brian teaches K-12 P.E. classes. He loves teaching kids the fundamentals of sports.

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Extraordinary Educators

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Kerri Snider - Laker Schools

Kerri is an incredible teacher, who hasn’t allowed being a new mother of twins to slow her down from inspiring her students every day.

She consistently goes out of her way to serve her students. One year she took a student’s dirty laundry home every weekend to ensure the student would have clean clothes to wear to school the next week.

Thank you for Everything you do!

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Ellen Yaroch North Huron Elementary MS. ELLEN IS PHENOMENAL!!! SHE GOES OUT OF HER WAY EVERYDAY TO MAKE LEARNING FUN. SHE IS SO PATIENT AND KIND. SHE HAS A VERY PERSONAL APPROACH WITH HER STUDENTS AND MAKES THEM FEEL SO COMFORTABLE. My daughter can be quite a challenge when it comes to school work and focusing. Ms. Ellen is so patient and kind to her. It truly takes a special person to do the job that she does. She has done wonders for my daughters confidence and ability to learn. We are so grateful to have her as one of my daughters great teachers!!

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Amanda Hartzell Cass City Schools Mrs. Hartzell goes above and beyond, every single day.

She’s sweet, kind, compassionate and the best teacher I could ask for, for my son!

Thank you for Everything that you do!

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Beth Fischer North Huron High School Beth Fischer is a phenomenal teacher & woman. Her heart is in education and teaching her students to the best of her ability. Beth went above & beyond to help my daughter who was failing in algebra. She spent some of her Winter break helping my daughter, by tutoring her and teaching her the concepts she was not comprehending at the time.

As a result of Beth taking interest to help my daughter, my daughter succeeded in learning the concepts and bringing her grade up to pass at the end of the semmester!

Mrs. Fischer deserves this award because she wants all of her students to succeed in school.

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Extraordinary Educators

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Ellen Yaroch Continued from page 3 als with varying skills. There are speech pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers, and general educators,” she noted. “We each have unique skills which can be incorporated in the classroom to benefit our children and instruction.”

According to Yaroch, learning is a two-way street.

“I’ve also learned over the years to take the time to listen to students. I ask them questions about their interests,” she said.

She has a genuine interest in each and everyone of her students.

“Investing that interest in each child builds a classroom community of mutual trust and respect.

Teaching isn’t about the demand to teach quantity of curriculum content, but rather quality,” she said.

“Being nominated for this honor as an educator is a little uncomfortable, and humbling, to be singled out because I have so much respect for my co-workers.”

There are several factors that come into play to being an effective educator.

“I have been very fortunate to work in a community of kind and caring parents and students,” she said. “As an educator, you become very attached to the children you serve.

“My students and their parents make my job extremely rewarding and a pleasure to go to work everyday.”

Being a teacher doesn’t end with the last bell of the day rings or at the end of a school year.

“I have a lifetime of heart-warming relationships with my students and their families…I’m fortunate,” said Yaroch.

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Beth Fischer Continued from page 2

due to all of the really good elementary and high school teachers she had growing up.

“I have always liked working with children, and helping people. Teaching seemed like a good fit,” she said.

It must be for her to stay in education for 31 years.

Fischer noted one of the biggest challenges is trying to get everything done as an educator and balance it with family life.

“It is a lot of work - being a teacher with its duties and having a family life,” she said. “There is a lot of evening and weekend work, but I enjoy it and I wouldn’t give it up for the world.

“It’s nice that my kids go to the same school where I teach.”

Fischer said she is deeply moved to be recognized in the Extraordinary Educators Program.

“It is a great honor to be noticed for this award because there are so many wonderful educators not only in our school, but also throughout the whole county,” Fischer said.

“It is nice to know that what you do is recognized and appreciated. It has been a pleasure and my life’s pride to serve the children in this community.”

Fischer and her husband, Don, have two girls and a boy.

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UBLY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS Thank you for your votes!

Congrats to Amy Rothe, Voted Extraordinary Educator

GO BEARCATS

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Extraordinary Educators

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Mr. Kirkham EPBP Laker Elementary Mr. Kirkham is an excellent teacher! The way he connects with each and every kid and makes learning so much fun and interesting for each of them is a true gift!

Thank you for Everything you do!

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Katie Eskau Zion Lutheran School Love for the Lord, and Selfless, Caring Heart for the Children.

Mrs. Eskau is the most influential, selfless teacher I have met. Every day she wakes up and serves our Lord and shows that in how she teaches our children. I am blessed to have her with us during such impressionable years in my daughters life.

Thank you for Everything that you do!

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Teacher & Prinicpal in One: Kelly Durr - Ascent High School Mr. Durr has taken on the tough task of being the new principal at Ascent High School, while continuing to teach math, science, and physical education.

It is a lot of different responsibilities, and Mr. Durr is managing it all with patience and professionalism.

Thank you for Everything you do!

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Amy Rothe - Ubly Elementary

Amy has taught all three of my children. She is the kindest, most compassionate lady I have ever met.

She makes every student feel special and welcome. She treats all children equally, no matter their ability. She has been all three of my kids favorite teacher for making learning fun and exciting.

Thank you for Everything you do!

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Extraordinary Educators

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Miss Joscelyne Bad Axe Schools

“Teachers who love

Miss Joscelyne goes above and beyond for the students she works with! She has such a kind heart and would go to the ends of the earth for the children!!

She is always baking some amazing treats for the kids. She is so compassionate and caring! She has bought so many children new items for school such as lunch boxes, book bags, clothes and supplies needed! She gives her whole heart in her work.

She will actually get out on the playground and play with the kids. She swings with them, she’s played kickball with them and many other things! She has taken good the students families that were in need. While schools were closed due to covid shutdown, she tutored many students on her own time and refused anything for it. She is just simply put an amazing person and an even more amazing paraprofessional! Her school is very lucky to have her in my opinion.

teaching, teach children to love learning.”

Thank you for Everything you do!

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- Unknown

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Denise Gordon Bad Axe Elementary School For being the best Teacher.

For always caring and being kind. Making lessons fun and for showing the kids new thing and for helping them grow.

Thank you for Everything that you do!

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Susan Dubs Laker High School Mrs. Dubs will go over and above to give her best to each and every one of her students!!

Thank you for all that you do!

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Extraordinary Educators

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Kerri Snider Continued from page 3

mater.

“Working in a larger school district like Lakers offers more diversity. Dealing with more and a wider range of kids allows me to hone my teaching skills as I’m working with so many different students, and I’m able to reach a lot more students at Lakers,” she said.

Although she only had a few years of teaching experience, she said she feels her age, 31, and other experiences helped her adapt to the changes brought about by the COVID pandemic.

“The biggest challenge so far in my career was teaching and continuing to work with students during the pandemic. Working to educate kids with virtual learning when some were home, as well as then providing learning to some at home and

Working at the Church School sparked her desire to be a teacher.

“So one thing led to another and I got my teaching certification. I left the Church School to take a job teaching middle school students at Lakers because I wanted to have an impact on more students,” Snider explained. “In rural schools, there are not that many kids. I wanted to make more of a difference, reach more kids, and work with a larger variety of students.”

Later while working at Lakers, she was able to move into a high school position teaching science, physical science, biology, and anatomy.

Getting a job at Lakers was a homecoming to the Bay Port native as it is her alma

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some in the classroom,” Snider explained. students and helping them learn the best “Trying to manage and juggle all that was that they can,” she said. a challenge in providing an education in Back when Snider was going to college, such a different way. she was thinking of a career in environ“The mental science challenge working at a was making national park. online learning But, along I’m incredibly honored and will work interesting, exwith the way on continuing to do what is best citing, and to she found out keep them enthat education for my students and helping them learn gaged. I think I was the perthe best that they can. did pretty well fect fit in being with that.” able to work And, she with children must have to be selected as one of five teaching them the sciences.

Extraordinary Educators in Huron County.

Snider and her husband, David, have “I’m incredibly honored and will work twin girls who are 15 months old. She on continuing to do what is best for my plans to juggle teaching and motherhood.

“

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4675 Hill St. Cass City 989.872.8202

John Bitner, MD

Becky McKee,

Family Nurse Practitioner

Marlene Schank

Family Nurse Practitioner

Richard Moyer, DO

Melanie Kramer, MD

Erica Knoerr

Family Nurse Practitioner

Amanda Cook, FNP-BC

Ashlee Pierce DNP, FNP-BC

130 Millwood St., Caro 989.672.1555

4675 Hill St, Cass City | 989-872-2121 | hdghmi.org

Mary Woller,

Family Nurse Practitioner

Cass City General Surgery Clinic

Millwood Street Primary Care

5854 State St. • Kingston

6230 Hospital Dr. • Cass City

989.872.8503

6190 Hospital Dr. Suite 104 989.912.6115

Cass City Medical Practice

Hills & Dales Caro Family Practice 989.672.1399

Hills & Dales Orthopedic Clinic

Thumb Pediatrics

Afonso Ferreira, MD

Cheryl Lang,

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

6190 Hospital Dr. Suite 107 Cass City 989.872.5582

Craig Mizes, MD

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