2024 Extraordinary Educators

Extraordinary Educators

June 22, 2024

Thank yo u to all of o u r amazing sp t h is pa s t y

o g o nso rs year!

A HUGE TH ANK YOU TO E V ERYONE W HO VOTED FOR THE FOLLOW ING TE ACHERS! W E ARE LOOK ING FORWARD TO CONTINUING THE PROGR AM THE FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YE AR.

SPOTLIGHT EDUCATOR

Cristina Griggs

Bullock Creek District - BCEL, Pine River, Floyd

Ben Jodway Midland Daily News

Throughout her life, Cristina Griggs has had a passion for music. She’s had a passion for teaching just as long.

Griggs combined those passions as a music teacher for Bullock Creek’s three elementary schools. For the past 17 years, she has been teaching “a lot of students” as a traveling teacher, she said.

“I ended up going the music route, and I’ve been here ever since,” she said. “At the beginning of my career, I was a little overwhelmed with learning all the other names at three different schools, like a thousand students,” she said.

Griggs enjoys teaching kids about the different instrument families and teaching older students music notation and how to play along to the notes. Seeing her students put on performances for

parents is a highlight of her career, she said.

Whether a student enjoys singing, playing an instrument, or dancing, Griggs said she thinks she can help them have a good time.

“I think I do a good job of making music fun for everyone, whether music is your favorite or not,” she said. “I also have so many opportunities for the students to appreciate the music. Whether they love to sing or not,

they can experience the value of the arts and how important it is.”

Griggs expressed thanks to those who nominated her for the Extraordinary Educator award.

“I feel super honored and it’s always such a joy to know I’m making a difference in students’ lives,” she said. “I always hope my students will remember music class with Mrs. Griggs and have an appreciation for music.”

SPOTLIGHT EDUCATOR

Ben Jodway Midland Daily News

Growing up, Lexus Hupfer had trouble reading up through fifth grade. But that year, her teacher taught her a different way to read that made a big difference—and she decided she wanted to help kids who were struggling with the same challenge.

Hupfer just finished her fifth year teaching and her first full

Lexus Hupfer

Bullock Creek Elementary

year at Bullock Creek Elementary, where she teaches kindergarten.

And her former teacher from fifth grade continues to inspire her.

“Ever since I’ve had him as a teacher, I’ve said, ‘Man, I would really love to be that for someone, to help someone grow and become better,’” Hupfer said.

She finds adjusting to new classes of “kiddos”

every year challenging, but she said she works hard at it at the beginning of every year.

And each class brings its own learning opportunities for Hupfer, she said.

“I’m not the only one teaching; it’s usually the kids who are teaching me something new,” she said. “Some of their interests are not what I’m interested in, but they make me interested by the way they express

themselves and their love for it.”

After having moved around the past five years, Hupfer said she plans to make Bullock Creek Elementary her home.

“I really appreciate the (Extraordinary Educator) nomination,” she said. “This has been such a welcoming community, and I’m so thankful that people are enjoying my work here at BCEL.”

Christopher O’Connell

Midland Public Schools

outside the band room eating lunch because they just love being in the area,” he said. “I get, ‘Hey, Mr. O’Connell!’ and all that. That’s just cool.”

O’Connell has tried to support students who want to do both band and sports despite parents thinking their kids can’t

“I’ve had the starting middle linebacker in my band for the past two years,” he said. “All I’m

asking is three nights in a whole year (for concerts).”

Midland, however, is more understanding than other communities about students who are in both band and sports, he said. Friendly competition between Dow High and Midland High as well as the communities’ support for the arts has bolstered the music program.

To those who voted for him for Extraordinary Educator, O’Connell says, “Thank you!”

CHRIS O’CONNELL Midland High School

He is passionate about the MHS and other adjacent schools band programs, and is extremely enthusiastic as a band director. He spends time making sure the band reaches a performance close to perfection and is a wonderful supporter of all of the students he teaches. He chooses to direct the jazz band and makes their experience immersive and educational. Even during the off season he is prepping the best pieces for students to play and getting them excited for what is to come! An amazing teacher through and through.

CRISTINA GRIGGS Bullock Creek District - BCEL, Pine River, Floyd

I recently had the privilege of observing Mrs. Griggs in her element. She guided students on a musical journey filled with creativity, skill development,and a love for the art of music. Each class was greeted with an extensive amount of enthusiasm and genuine care. Her lessons were full of fun and inspiration, and the organized structure and excellent classroom management

JEFFREY LAUER

Midland High School

Mr. Lauer is the most compassionate, understanding and caring teacher. He has a soft spot for the students who just haven’t found their place yet. In Mr. Lauer’s room, you can always trust that there is no student left behind. He works one on one with every student to ensure their academic success. He creates a comfortable learning environment, encourages mindfulness and always teaches his students to make their mental and physical health a priority. He truly is a one of a kind educator. If I could nominate him a million times, I would.

allowed each student to unleash their potential and joy of learning from a truly outstanding music teacher!

SARAH KEMMER Auburn Elementary

Ms. Kemmer is the definition of an extraordinary educator. She ensures that every student feels welcome, whether they are in her class or not. Kemmer is a 3rd grade teacher, basketball coach, football coach, and more. She goes above and beyond with her teaching and uses innovative methods! She’s kind, caring, and is always a ray of sunshine to be around. She is the type of teacher that you want your student to have, and a human you just want to have around. Thank you for all that you do!!

KATHERINE SCHALLHORN

Beaverton Elementary

Miss Schallhorn is an incredibly passionate Special Education teacher. She is patient and kind with each of her students who have very diverse needs. Her sense of humor and calm demeanor make her a key player in supporting not only her students but the teachers that she works alongside of as well!

BRENDA

KHALIL

Tri-City Seventh Day Adventist School MRS. SARAH CRAWFORD

She is passionate in her teaching and demonsrates care and patience in every situation. She is full of encouragement and is a great example to our children.

Heavens Elect Christian Learning Center

Ms. Sarah is the best! She loves all of her little preschoolers and always gets down on their level to talk to them and always makes sure she asks them about their day and tells them goodbye when they leave.

SARAH LARGES

Swan Valley High School

I nominate Sarah Larges for this award due to her outstanding care for students. She’s devoted to helping students navigate the classroom and their future career. She serves as a trusted mentor for many students and a protector for those who need further help beyond the classroom. Through severe sickness she puts her students before herself and continues to be passionate. She’s also been a dedicated track coach and student council advisor and has dedicated majority of her life to various school districts.

PETER CONARTY

H H. Dow High (retired)

Mr. Conarty is now retired but he is and always will be my mentor and my inspiration. Being with him for 3 years with the Dow High Drama club and his Theater classes at Dow High was the High point of my life and I have dedicated my career to him. He encouraged me and supported my decision to become a professional actor. And not just me, he has

KYLE LEWANDOWSKI The

Learning Place

Mr. Kyle Lewandowski is an extremely dedicated educator for early childhood education. He is actively involved in many early childhood seminars.

been there for all his former students and encouraged their chosen careers. He is a gem of a man and should be recognized.

KAYLA LANPHIERD

Siebert Elementary

Mrs Lanphierd Works harder then anyone I know and truly wants the best for all of her students and goes above and beyond to make sure each child gets the help and resources they need to be successful for the next grade. Mrs Lanphierd has taught 1st grade at Siebert for 12 years and has always had and continues to have a positive attitude about her students and peers.

LEXUS HUPFER

Bullock Creek Elementary

Mrs. Lexus Hupfer, a truly extraordinary Kindergarten teacher at Bullock Creek Elementary, is our nomination! Lexus incorporates nature into her daily lessons, thinking outside the box. Math is counting seeds from a pumpkin, learning letters made from sticks! Her enthusiasm and creativity shine through her weekly crafts & activities, inspiring the children to appreciate nature while learning. Her lessons allow for individual creativity and imagination while completing the assignment, all while maintaining an organized structure! Her patience, gentleness, and compassion are extraordinary.

Years of experience, and kids love her. Great kindergarten teacher.

EMILY CLARK

Extraordinary teacher! Emily teaches from the heart, she cares for her students and their education. She is one of the best, hands down. Emily connects with her students more than just on the surface and I think that is what sets her above others. Emily creates a positive, kind and welcoming environment for all kids in the school; not just her class! Meridianis so lucky to have you!

HERTER MUSIC CENTER

JUNE 10 - AUGUST 10

Summer R eading Pr ogram

R eader s o f all age s can earn prize s all Summer long! Sign up now in the B eans t ack app or at : gadml.beans tack .or g

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Congratulations to this year’s Extraordinary Educators!

Be sure to check back next year to see the new winners!

Congratulations to all of our Extraordinar y Educator s and Thank You for all of your dedication!

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