By Megan Kelley

Review Writer

Lake Orion Community Schools is a district that is greatly appreciative of its staff. The teachers within the district are often heralded for their passion and dedication to their students.

Every year, LOCS selects a teacher from each level of education (elementary, middle and high school) and celebrates them as the district’s Teachers of the Year.

This year’s Teachers of the Year are:

High School — Stephen Bodiya, Lake Orion High School

Stephen Bodiya was named Lake Orion High School’s 2021-22 Teacher of the Year. Bodiya is a math teacher at LOHS. He has been with the district for 10 years and student taught at LOHS as well.

LOHS teachers and staff filled the KIVA for the announcement where Assistant Principal Vernon Burden spoke about the response administration had gotten in the nomination process about Bodiya.

Administration received statements about Bodiya from students, parents and former students stating that he makes math fun, which is difficult to do.

“It’s just a humbling and unexpected experience when I kind of feel like I lean on a lot of other people and there’s a lot of other deserving people as well,” Bodiya said about the recognition.

Middle School — Dakotah Cooper, Waldon Middle School

Dakotah Cooper was named the 2021-22 Teacher of the Year at the middle school level by LOCS. Cooper is a music teacher at Waldon Middle School.

“Mr. Cooper is easily the best teacher I’ve ever had,” one of his students said. “He teaches us important life values while also teaching us instruments at the same time. He goes above and beyond every day and listens to everyone’s opinion.”

Other staff members spoke of the positive impact Cooper has had on students throughout his years at LOCS.

“In Lake Orion there are just so many wonderful teachers and I’m just honored to be among all of them let alone be nominated,” Cooper said.

Elementary School — Lorie Van Arsdale, Orion Oaks Elementary School

Lorie Van Arsdale was named the 2021-22 Teacher of the Year at the elementary level by LOCS. Van Arsdale is a kindergarten teacher at Orion Oaks Elementary.

Van Arsdale was surprised by her follow teachers at Orion Oaks and her family in the school’s media center for the announcement.