Congratulations to the 2022 Lansing Educational Foundation Award Recipients
Lansing USD 469 would like to congratulate our 2022 Teachers of the Year, Educational Support Professionals of the Year, and our Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Each of these individuals will be recognized at the Annual Honors Breakfast organized by Lansing Educational Foundation on Friday, May 6th.
Mrs. Laurie Holden - Elementary Teacher of the Year
Fourth-grade teacher Mrs. Laurie Holden was selected as the Elementary Teacher of the Year for her leadership within the district, the community involvement within her classroom, and ability to connect with her students. Some quotes from her nomination forms include:
"She can also connect with her students on a level that makes them willing to make mistakes and learn from them. Students who struggle to grow in basic skills and gifted students are pushed to new heights – all in the same loving environment."
"Family engagement is one of her many strengths. She makes connections outside of the classroom that allows kids to feel connected to the school and our community."
"Laurie epitomizes what a teacher leader should be. As a fourth-grade team lead teacher, she is willing to speak up but also willing to listen to others who have the best interest of kids at heart."
"Mrs. Holden has a unique ability to make every student feel special. She goes out of her way in the classroom as well as out of the classroom to build community and celebrate students' achievements. If a student is experiencing a big life event, she allows the class to join in and celebrate with the student."
Mr. Brian White - Secondary Teacher of the Year
Lansing High School Choir Director Brian White was selected as the Secondary Teacher of the Year for his passion and ability to inspire students. Some quotes from his nomination forms include:
"Mr. White has been an educator for 19 years and for the past three years has been serving at Lansing High School as the Choir Director. He possesses not only the passion and desire to teach music, but most importantly the skills necessary to develop students to make them successful in life."
"Mr. White has cultivated a culture and environment of success in his classroom and in his students. He combines his musical passion and expertise to foster an atmosphere where students are encouraged to explore and develop their understanding and appreciation for music."
"Mr. White's key to success has been his ability to inspire students to see music as a universal element that transcends all barriers and connects all human beings regardless of their musical skills or talent level. Mr. White's innovative and unique approach to teaching significantly develop skills that extend beyond the classroom and serve students well into their adult life. He teaches personal responsibility, develops leadership skills, and instills confidence and pride in all his students. He accomplishes this by providing his students opportunities for serving in leadership roles."
"Mr. White not only teaches our children to sing and improve upon their musical talents and abilities, but he also teaches them to be confident leaders."
Ms. Rebecca Davis - Educational Support Professional of the Year
Lansing High School Social Worker Rebecca Davis was selected as one of two Educational Support Professionals of the Year. Ms. Davis's ability to connect with students and create a safe environment for students to open up to her made her an obvious choice for the award. Some quotes from her nomination forms include:
"Rebecca works hard every day to make Lansing High School a place where all students and adults feel valued and heard. I have personally witnessed Rebecca getting some of our most difficult youth to open up and share their life experiences."
"Rebecca has given the students of LHS another resource and another trusted adult! Rebecca works hard to create an environment where kids are comfortable. Rebecca has created a system to help our students who have been out of school get additional support and have a positive transition back into the school system. Our students and families have been very appreciative of this support as they work through some difficult times."
"Rebecca has such a welcoming personality that anyone who meets her automatically feels comfortable! Rebecca understands she is part of a team, and we are stronger if we work together. Whatever situation she is presented with, she takes it head-on and has a wonderful working relationship with all the groups in and outside of our building."
Ms. Marvis Hundley - Educational Support Professional of the Year
Lansing Elementary School para-educator Ms. Marvis Hundley was selected as one of two Educational Support Professionals of the Year. Ms. Hundley was selected for her positive attitude and community spirit. Some quotes from her nomination forms include:
"She plays a critical role in helping students acquire the resources they need to achieve academically. She effectively creates a caring learning community, inside and outside the school, through modeling positive behaviors."
"She exemplifies dedication, service, and community spirit that every individual thrives for. She ensures the success of our students by meeting their physical, social, and emotional needs. She has a wealth of knowledge, experience, ideas, and passion."
"She is a critical member of the education workforce because of her collaborative skills with educators and has a great insight of students and her willingness to understand and listen to students."
"Miss Marvis shows up each day with a positive attitude and a heart willing to serve both students and staff alike. She consistently learns the strengths and weaknesses of those sped students in her care and maximizes the learning opportunity to ensure their academic progress and eventual success."
Ms. Janie Gates - Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Lansing USD469 bus driver, Ms. Janie Gates, was selected as this year's Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Ms. Gates has been a bus driver for Lansing USD469 for the last 43 years and was selected because of her positive impact on the lives of countless students and parents through the years. Some quotes from her nomination forms include:
"She has had an impact on the lives of so many students and parents throughout her years driving a bus for USD 469. She has made special accommodations to make students safer and more comfortable on her bus, even going out of her way to spend her own money to do so."
"She will leave a lasting legacy for USD 469, and she already has. Her kindness and willingness to go the extra mile (sometimes literally) are already recognized by so many in the community. Her years of devotion mean so much to the families that she has impacted throughout her time at USD 469."