Marking the return of this awards program since it was last held in 2019, the 2024 Educational Hero Awards was held Thursday, Feb. 29th at the Van Buren Conference Center. The Educational Hero Award is designed to recognize individuals involved in making a difference in the overall quality of education in Van Buren County by:
· Demonstrating knowledge and skill in their area of responsibility
· Develop unique programs that have enhanced learning experiences
· Playing a leadership role in education
· Providing support for a program, service, or event that significantly impacts education
· Exhibiting an attitude that promotes a positive working and learning environment and reflects
positively on the school district
· Making an impact on the quality of an individual student's educational experience
· Demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of individual students
· Providing service "above and beyond"
This year’s recipients include:
Bangor Public Schools - Beth Squires and Deb Fritz.
Bloomingdale Public Schools - Victor Gonzalez and Torrey Wenger.
Decatur Public Schools - Candy Haas and Cherry Holmes.
Lawton Community Schools - Susan Douglas and Steve Carroll
Lawrence Public Schools - Lauryn King and Greg Rozeveld.
Gobles Public Schools - Stephen Carillo and Stacy Thorpe
Covert Public Schools - Carolina Sanchez and Jeremy Payne.
Mattawan Consolidated School - Nancy Garman and Brandy Wessels.
Hartford Public Schools - Heather McNitt and Sarah Manning.
South Haven Public Schools - Kimberly Wise and Jennifer Otto.
Paw Paw Public Schools - Amy Gronda and Cari Houston.
Van Buren Intermediate School District - Gabe Kooyers and Mary Stap.