When first grade Pine Tree teacher Denise Skiba walked into an assembly last Friday she thought it was for the kick-off of March is Reading Month and they were having an author visitor.
She thought everybody was applauding because her class was so late to the assembly and they had finally arrived.
Little did she know, as she soon found out, they were actually all applauding her, because she had been selected as the district’s Teacher of the Year.
‘There are so many great teachers in Lake Orion,? Pine Tree Principal Diane Dunaskis explained to the students as Pine Tree, saying that parents can nominate a teacher for this distinction. ?(And then) there is a committee that looks at all those nominations and they decide which teacher best represents the great teaching that goes on here in Lake Orion.?
Skiba had been nominated by a parent of one of her former students, Andrea Fluent, who said that nominating Skiba was an easy thing to do.
‘She’s truly a role model for our children, for our parents and for our teachers,? Fluent said. ‘We’re just so happy and proud that she is being able to be recognized for all that she did for our family and I’m sure she’s done for many other families as well.?
After asking the students to raise their hands if they had Skiba for a teacher at some point, she described some of the ‘nice things? about her.
‘The things that are said about Mrs. Skiba is that she’s kind, caring and patient,? Dunaskis told the students.
‘She really tries to help everybody do their best and to succeed,? she said, adding that Skiba is also creative and has a great sense of humor. ‘We’re very lucky to have Mrs. Skiba.?
Lake Orion Superintendent Christine Lehman, who attended the presentation along with Assistant Superintendent Ken Gutman and school board members Tiffany Weber-Phillips and Bill Walters, echoed the kind sentiments about Skiba.
‘If you’ve ever met Mrs. Skiba once, you know that she never forgets you and she’ll probably put you on her birthday list,? Lehman said. ‘She is one of the kindest and most giving people that I’ve personally ever met.?
‘When I heard that (Skiba) won for Teacher of the Year, it was just a real pleasure to hear that because I don’t know that there are many more people as deserving,? she added. ‘We have really wonderful teachers, but (Skiba) is always there before school, after school.?
Lehman thanked Skiba for her hard work and dedication to Lake Orion students.
‘You have changed the lives of many, many kids and many adults. You took committees, jobs and tasks that many people may not take,? she told Skiba.
‘She cares so much about kids, so it truly is an honor and a pleasure and Lake Orion community schools is very fortunate to have you as a teacher,? Lehman added.
Skiba has been teaching in Lake Orion schools for 15 years, having spent 10 of those at Pine Tree Elementary. During her time in the district, she has taught first and second grades.
Skiba’s husband, Jim; sons, Brent and Brian; and mother, Beverly Avery, were on hand for the surprise presentation that honored her.
According to Dunaskis, Pine Tree will hang a plaque for Skiba in their front office and will plant a tree in Skiba’s honor, which ‘symbolizes the growth that Mrs. Skiba helps all of her students make.?