This year’s Clarkston Foundation Teacher of the Year: Corena Bell.
‘I’m overwhelmed, very honored,? said Bell, who has taught first grade at Independence Elementary School for 12 years. ‘I’d like to share this honor with everyone here or not here today ? so many aren’t recognized.?
Clarkston-area students, parents, and colleagues nominated 12 teachers: Bell; Rodney Pierson, Andersonville Elementary; Meredith Copland, Bailey Lake Elementary; Jennifer Lambouris, Bailey Lake; Kathy Noble, Bailey Lake; Jamie Maras, Clarkston Elementary; Kim Minton, Clarkston Elementary; Jennifer Davis-Eklin, Independence Elementary; Kara Lomazov, Independence; Stacey Sielinski, Independence; Mary Skorupski, North Sashabaw Elementary; and Bob Brazier, Pine Knob Elementary.
Clarkston Foundation review committee members read the nominations and visited each classrooms.
‘We wanted to connect the person with the nomination,? said Sherrie VanderVeen, president, Clarkston Foundation. ‘Every teacher was deserving ? it was a bittersweet task to have to narrow them down.?
The committee named four finalists, Copland, Minton, Bell, and Davis-Eklin. After further review, they chose a winner, keeping her identity a secret until the Recognition Reception May 23.
In addition to flowers, recognition plaque, and certificate, Bell gets a new car ? for a year.
Suburban Ford of Waterford, sponsor, is donating a year-long lease of a vehicle of the winner’s choice. Bell’s selection ? a 2008 silver Ford Escape Limited, loaded.
‘Teachers are almost as important to children as parents, with all the time they spend with them,? said Kevin Summers, general manager of Suburban Ford. ‘This is one of the many things we do in the community ? we’re very proud of it.?
Clarkston Foundation rotates awards, this year honoring teachers at the elementary-school level, last year at secondary. They will also honor specialty teachers, such as art, music, physical education. Criteria include at least two years experience, positive attitude, love of learning, ability to teach all students in innovative ways, and enthusiasm.
‘It’s really humbling to see the caliber of teachers we have,? VanderVeen said. ‘I wish every child in the state of Michigan could have teachers like that.?