{"id":220631,"date":"2026-03-15T10:24:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-15T10:24:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/220631\/"},"modified":"2026-03-15T10:24:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T10:24:33","slug":"2026-oakland-county-outstanding-teacher-of-the-year-nominees-the-oakland-press","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/220631\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year nominees \u2013 The Oakland Press"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The following teachers were nominated for the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year awards. One teacher will be selected as a winner from each of the four categories: Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle \/Junior High, and High School. Winners to be announced in mid-March and be recognized at a special event on May 7.<\/p>\n<p>For more information, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.oakland.k12.mi.us\/student-programs\/otoy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">www.oakland.k12.mi.us\/student-programs\/otoy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The following information and photos were submitted.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Mary Austin (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mary-Austin-Berkley.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700391\" \/>Mary Austin (submitted photo)<br \/>\nMARY AUSTIN<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Berkley School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Norup International School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 7th math<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Lindsay Belli (submitted photo)\" width=\"249\" height=\"337\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lindsay-Belli-WBSD-Middle-School.png\" data-attachment-id=\"2700384\" \/>Lindsay Belli (submitted photo)<br \/>\nLINDSAY BELLI<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: West Bloomfield School District<\/p>\n<p>School: West Bloomfield Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th science<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Lorig Bishop (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"257\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lorig-Bishop_WBSD-High-School-.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700386\" \/>Lorig Bishop (submitted photo)<br \/>\nLORIG BISHOP<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: West Bloomfield School District<\/p>\n<p>School: West Bloomfield High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: French, English 9<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Anna Bovio (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"334\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Anna-Bovio-Huron-Valley-high.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700358\" \/>Anna Bovio (submitted photo)<br \/>\nANNA BOVIO<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Huron Valley Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Lakeland High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th special education<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Shannon Bowman (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"314\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Shannon-Bowman-Royal-Oak-middle-e1773345339235.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700407\" \/>Shannon Bowman (submitted photo)<br \/>\nSHANNON BOWMAN<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Royal Oak Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Royal Oak Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th-8th Spanish<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Dana Brewer (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"235\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Dana-Brewer-Oxford.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700367\" \/>Dana Brewer (submitted photo)<br \/>\nDANA BREWER<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Oxford Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Oxford High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th Dance Conservatory Program, 10th English Language Arts<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Cheryl Caplan (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"337\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cheryl-Caplan-WBSD-Elementary-.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700365\" \/>Cheryl Caplan (submitted photo)<br \/>\nCHERYL CAPLAN<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: West Bloomfield School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Scotch Elementary<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 3rd grade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Linda Carlson (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"378\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Linda-Carlson.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700383\" \/>Linda Carlson (submitted photo)<br \/>\nLINDA CARLSON<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Bloomfield Hills Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Lone Pine Elementary<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Special Education<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Yi Chun Chen (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"354\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Yi-Chun-Chen.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700415\" \/>Yi Chun Chen (submitted photo)<br \/>\nYI CHUN CHEN<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: Walled Lake Consolidated Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: The Rainbow Academy<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: PreK Great Start Readiness Program<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Doris Clemons (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Doris-Clemons.png-Early-childhood.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700369\" \/>Doris Clemons (submitted photo)<br \/>\nDORIS CLEMONS<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: Avondale School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Avondale Early Learning Center<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 4-year-old Great Start Readiness Program<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Ernestine Crenshaw-Brown (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"328\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Ernestine-Crenshaw-Brown-pontiac-Elem-e1773342280508.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700372\" \/>Ernestine Crenshaw-Brown (submitted photo)<br \/>\nERNESTINE CRENSHAW-BROWN<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: School District of the City of Pontiac<\/p>\n<p>School: Rogers Elementary School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 2nd grade<\/p>\n<p>NICOLE DELAMIELLEURE<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Madison District Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Wilkinson Middle\u00a0 School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th social studies<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Roberta Diacono (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"313\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Roberta-Diacono-Huron-Valley.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700406\" \/>Roberta Diacono (submitted photo)<br \/>\nROBERTA DIACONO<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Huron Valley Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Muir Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th-8th Health, Digital Technology, Video Productions<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Kristi Frisk (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"342\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kristi-Frisk-South-Lyon-e1773342522314.jpeg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700352\" \/>Kristi Frisk (submitted photo)<br \/>\nKRISTI FRISK<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: South Lyon Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Bartlett Elementary School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 1st grade<\/p>\n<p>MELANIE GANZ<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: Oxford Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Oxford Early Learning Center<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: PreK for All Great Start Readiness Program<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Megan Gates (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"332\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Megan-Gates-Elementary.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700393\" \/>Megan Gates (submitted photo)<br \/>\nMEGAN GATES<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Madison District Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Madison Elementary<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 1st-5th Learning Resource Room<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Tammy Gilbert (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"202\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Tammy-Gilbert-Troy-e1773345598420.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700411\" \/>Tammy Gilbert (submitted photo)<br \/>\nTAMMY GILBERT<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Troy School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Boulan Park Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th science<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Stephanie Gizicki (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"186\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Stephanie-Gizicki-Ferndale-e1773342761395.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700408\" \/>Stephanie Gizicki (submitted photo)<br \/>\nSTEPHANIE GIZICKI<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Ferndale Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Ferndale High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th, Reading Intervention and AVID<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Teresa Haas (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Teresa-Terri-Haas-high-school.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700412\" \/>Teresa Haas (submitted photo)<br \/>\nTERESA (TERRI) HAAS<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Farmington Public School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Farmington Central High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th social studies<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Cassaundra Hack (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"339\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cassaundra-Hack-Farmington-Elementary.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700362\" \/>Cassaundra Hack (submitted photo)<br \/>\nCASSAUNDRA HACK<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Farmington Public School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Wood Creek Elementary School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Special Education Resource, all subjects<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Jayme Harding (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"375\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jayme-Harding-Harvey-Swanson-Elementary-rotated.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700375\" \/>Jayme Harding (submitted photo)<br \/>\nJAYME HARDING<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Brandon School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Harvey-Swanson Elementary<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Kindergarten<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Rachel Harwell (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"313\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rachel-Harwell-Lamphere-Middle-school.png\" data-attachment-id=\"2700402\" \/>Rachel Harwell (submitted photo)<br \/>\nRACHEL HARWELL<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Lamphere Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: John Page Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 8th science<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Lynn Hensley (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lynn-Hensley-South-Lyon.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700387\" \/>Lynn Hensley (submitted photo)<br \/>\nLYNN HENSLEY<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: South Lyon Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: South Lyon High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Science 10th-12th: AP Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Anna Hunt (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"313\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Anna-Hunt-Holly-middle.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700359\" \/>Anna Hunt (submitted photo)<br \/>\nANNA HUNT<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Holly Area School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Holly High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th Family and Consumer Sciences<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Emily Jarema Carroll (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"333\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Emily-Jarema-Carroll-Avondale-high-rotated.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700370\" \/>Emily Jarema Carroll (submitted photo)<br \/>\nEMILY JAREMA CARROLL<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Avondale School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Avondale High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th English<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Amy Jones (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"344\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Amy-Jones-Elementary.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700356\" \/>Amy Jones (submitted photo)<br \/>\nAMY JONES<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Avondale School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Woodland Elementary<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 4th grade, all subjects<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Che'Keita Jones (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"231\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/CheKeita-Jones-Ferndale.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700363\" \/>Che&#8217;Keita Jones (submitted photo)<br \/>\nCHE\u2019KEITA JONES<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Ferndale Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Ferndale Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th, 7th and 8th grade math<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Zachary Kaczanowski (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"335\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Zachary-Kaczanowski-Avondale-middle.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700416\" \/>Zachary Kaczanowski (submitted photo)<br \/>\nZACHARY KACZANOWSKI<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Avondale School District<\/p>\n<p>School: GATE Magnet School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Social Studies<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Kathryn Kanous (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kathryn-Kanous-Clawson-Elem.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700379\" \/>Kathryn Kanous (submitted photo)<br \/>\nKATHRYN KANOUS<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District:\u00a0 Clawson Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Clawson Elementary School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 2nd grade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Diane Kawesa (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Diane-Kawesa-Farmington.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700368\" \/>Diane Kawesa (submitted photo)<br \/>\nDIANE KAWESA<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: Farmington Public School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Farmington Early Childhood Center<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Early Childhood Great Start Readiness Program<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Kelly Kramer (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"313\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kelly-Kramer-Pontiac-high.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700380\" \/>Kelly Kramer (submitted photo)<br \/>\nKELLY KRAMER<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: School District of the City of Pontiac<\/p>\n<p>School: International Technology Academy<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th ELA\/Social Studies<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Rikki Kwas (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"219\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rikki-Kwas-Berkley.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700405\" \/>Rikki Kwas (submitted photo)<br \/>\nRIKKI KWAS<\/p>\n<p>Category:Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Berkley School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Rogers Elementary School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 2nd grade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Mimoza Lila (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"316\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mimoza-Lila-WBSD-Early-childhood.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700400\" \/>Mimoza Lila (submitted photo)<br \/>\nMIMOZA LILA<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: West Bloomfield School District<\/p>\n<p>School: West Bloomfield Preschool Academy<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Preschool<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Emily Lyon (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Emily-Lyon-Lamphere-school.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700371\" \/>Emily Lyon (submitted photo)<br \/>\nEMILY LYON<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Lamphere Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Lamphere High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 10th and 12th English, 9th-12th Humanities, 9th-12th Creative Writing, and 10th and 12th Careers in Education<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Lindsey Maliepaard (submitted photo)\" width=\"251\" height=\"167\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lindsey-Maliepaard-Troy.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700385\" \/>Lindsey Maliepaard (submitted photo)<br \/>\nLINDSEY MALIEPAARD<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Troy School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Costello Elementary School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 2nd grade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Jennifer Maxbauer (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jennifer-Maxbauer-Walled-Lake-Middle-e1773345948831.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700376\" \/>Jennifer Maxbauer (submitted photo)<br \/>\nJENNIFER MAXBAUER<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Walled Lake Consolidated Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Walnut Creek Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th-8th ASD Self Contained Classroom<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Miranda McArthur (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"331\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TOP-L-Teachers-CALENDAR-0315-04.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700514\" \/>Miranda McArthur (submitted photo)<br \/>\nMIRANDA MCARTHUR<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Royal Oak Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Addams Elementary School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 4th grade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Shelby McCumber (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"375\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Shelby-McCumber-Lake-Orion-Elem.jpeg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700353\" \/>Shelby McCumber (submitted photo)<br \/>\nSHELBY MCCUMBER<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Lake Orion Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Orion Oaks Elementary<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 4th grade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Stephanie Meyers (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"313\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Stephanie-Meyers-high-school.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700409\" \/>Stephanie Meyers (submitted photo)<br \/>\nSTEPHANIE MEYERS<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Walled Lake Consolidated Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Walled Lake Central High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th Career and Technical Education<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Michael Mitchell (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"313\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Michael-Mitchell-Ferndale.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700398\" \/>Michael Mitchell (submitted photo)<br \/>\nMICHAEL MITCHELL<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Ferndale Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Ferndale Upper Elementary school<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 3th-5th physical education<\/p>\n<p>GEORGE MIXON<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: School District of the City of Pontiac<\/p>\n<p>School: Pontiac Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 8th science<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Meredith Montgomery (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Meredith-Montgomery-Berkley.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700396\" \/>Meredith Montgomery (submitted photo)<br \/>\nMEREDITH MONTGOMERY<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Berkley School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Berkley High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Spanish 2 and 3<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Stephanie Moyer (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"375\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Stephanie-Moyer-Lake-Orion-high.jpeg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700354\" \/>Stephanie Moyer (submitted photo)<br \/>\nSTEPHANIE MOYER<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Lake Orion Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Lake Orion High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th social studies<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Malin Murray (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"316\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Malin-Murray.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700390\" \/>Malin Murray (submitted photo)<br \/>\nMALIN MURRAY<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: Lamphere Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Lamphere Early Childhood Center<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Early Intervention<\/p>\n<p>JARED NABOZNY<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Hazel Park Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Hazel Park High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th social studies<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Marybeth Nagy (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"313\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Marybeth-Nagy-Early-childhood.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700392\" \/>Marybeth Nagy (submitted photo)<br \/>\nMARYBETH NAGY<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: Royal Oak Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Addams Early Childhood Center<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Blending Preschool<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Chelsea Powers (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"300\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Chelsea-Powers-Brandon.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700364\" \/>Chelsea Powers (submitted photo)<br \/>\nCHELSEA POWERS<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: Brandon School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Brandon Early Childhood Center<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Early Childhood Great Start Readiness Program<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Stephanie Ricci (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Stephanie-Ricci-Clarenceville-high.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700410\" \/>Stephanie Ricci (submitted photo)<br \/>\nSTEPHANIE RICCI<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Clarenceville School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Clarenceville High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th English Language Arts<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Christina Rick (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"194\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Christina-Rick-Troy-e1773346238112.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700366\" \/>Christina Rick (submitted photo)<br \/>\nCHRISTINA RICK<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Troy School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Troy High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th English Language Development<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Becky Schaal (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Becky-Schaal-Berkley.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700361\" \/>Becky Schaal (submitted photo)<br \/>\nREBECCA \u201cBECKY\u201d SCHAAL<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: Berkley School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Berkley Building Blocks Early Childhood Center<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Great Start Readiness Program<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Mackenzie Schmidt (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TOP-L-Teachers-CALENDAR-0315-03.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700517\" \/>Mackenzie Schmidt (submitted photo)<br \/>\nMACKENZIE SCHMIDT<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Lamphere Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Hiller Elementary<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 4th grade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Rebekah Schulze (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Rebekah-Schulze-Novi.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700403\" \/>Rebekah Schulze (submitted photo)<br \/>\nREBEKAH SCHULZE<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Novi Community School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Novi Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 7th-8th German and US history<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Amy Scott (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"335\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Amy-Scott-high-school.png\" data-attachment-id=\"2700357\" \/>Amy Scott (submitted photo)<br \/>\nAMY SCOTT<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Bloomfield Hills Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Bloomfield Hills High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th-12th Health, Kinesiology, PE, Unified PE<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Jason Sheldon (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"375\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jason-Sheldon-Brandon-Middle.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700374\" \/>Jason Sheldon (submitted photo)<br \/>\nJASON SHELDON<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Brandon School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Brandon Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th-8th history<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Elizabeth Simms (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"375\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TOP-L-Teachers-CALENDAR-0315-01.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700515\" \/>Elizabeth Simms (submitted photo)<br \/>\nELIZABETH SIMMS<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Lake Orion Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Waldon Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th-8th choir director<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Victoria Skubik (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"313\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Victoria-Skubik-Holly-middle.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700414\" \/>Victoria Skubik (submitted photo)<br \/>\nVICTORIA SKUBIK<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Holly Area School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Holly Middle School at the Karl Richter Campus<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th-7th English Language Arts<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Alec Snyder (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"250\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Alec-Snyder-Royal-Oak.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700355\" \/>Alec Snyder (submitted photo)<br \/>\nALEC SNYDER<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Royal Oak Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Royal Oak High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 9th US history, 11th AP World History<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"James Sparks (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"366\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/TOP-L-Teachers-CALENDAR-0315-02.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700516\" \/>James Sparks (submitted photo)<br \/>\nJAMES SPARKS<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Clawson Public Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Clawson Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 7th-8th science<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Lily Stojanov (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"313\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lily-Stojanov-Novi.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700382\" \/>Lily Stojanov (submitted photo)<br \/>\nLJILJANA (LILY) STOJANOV<\/p>\n<p>Category: Senior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Novi Community School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Novi High School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Biology\/Co-Taught Biology\/Co-Departmental Biology<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Julianne Strong (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Julianne-Strong-Holly-Elem.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700378\" \/>Julianne Strong (submitted photo)<br \/>\nJULIANNE STRONG<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Holly Area School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Davisburg Elementary<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 4th grade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Regina Szymczak (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"375\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Regina-Gina-Szymczak-Middle-school.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700404\" \/>Regina Szymczak (submitted photo)<br \/>\nREGINA (GINA) SZYMCZAK<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Farmington Public School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Power Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th grade\/math<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Griffin Taschner (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"312\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Griffin-Taschner-South-Lyon.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700373\" \/>Griffin Taschner (submitted photo)<br \/>\nGRIFFIN TASCHNER<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: South Lyon Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Millennium Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 7th-8th ELA and Mustang Hour (support class)<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Kelly Thomas (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"334\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Kelly-Thomas-Lake-Orion-Early-Childhood.jpeg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700351\" \/>Kelly Thomas (submitted photo)<br \/>\nKELLY THOMAS<\/p>\n<p>Category: Early Childhood<\/p>\n<p>District: Lake Orion Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Early Childhood Center<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: PreK\/Early Childhood Special Education<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Valerie Weckle (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"255\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Valerie-Weckle-Oxford-Elem.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700413\" \/>Valerie Weckle (submitted photo)<br \/>\nVALERIE WECKLE<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Oxford Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Clear Lake Elementary<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 1st grade<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Laura Wilson (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"271\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Laura-Wilson-Oxford-middle.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700381\" \/>Laura Wilson (submitted photo)<br \/>\nLAURA WILSON<\/p>\n<p>Category: Middle\/Junior High<\/p>\n<p>District: Oxford Community Schools<\/p>\n<p>School: Oxford Middle School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: 6th-8th art and ceramics<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazyautosizes lazyload\" alt=\"Barbara Zimmerman (submitted photo)\" width=\"250\" height=\"335\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Barbara-Zimmerman-Novi.jpg\" data-attachment-id=\"2700360\" \/>Barbara Zimmerman (submitted photo)<br \/>\nBARBARA ZIMMERMAN<\/p>\n<p>Category: Elementary<\/p>\n<p>District: Novi Community School District<\/p>\n<p>School: Village Oaks Elementary School<\/p>\n<p>Grade\/Subject: Novi Wildcat Launch (kindergarten)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The following teachers were nominated for the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year awards. One teacher will&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":220632,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[181,23,795,100,143,904,145,144,4661],"class_list":["post-220631","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-oakland","tag-latest-headlines","tag-local-news","tag-michigan","tag-news","tag-oakland","tag-oakland-county","tag-oakland-headlines","tag-oakland-news","tag-suburban-life"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/220631","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=220631"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/220631\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/220632"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=220631"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=220631"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=220631"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}