Lansing -Deb Nihart was surprised today when she was named 2008-2009 Michigan School Support Person of the Year during a visit from state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan. Nihart is an educational assistant in the media center at Eastside Elementary School in the Constantine Public Schools.
"I want to offer my thanks to Deb for giving her all to the children of Eastside Elementary," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "It takes a great team to make a great school and through her work, Deb helps us better understand the many ways caring adults make a difference in the lives of our children."
"Outstanding school employees like Deb are the lifeblood of good schools around the state of Michigan," Flanagan said. "This award focuses positive attention on the tens of thousands of dedicated school support personnel across the state who rarely receive public recognition for their work."
The purpose of the Michigan School Support Person of the Year Award is to honor outstanding support personnel for their contributions to the success of the learning community, as well as focusing public attention on the tireless work undertaken by school support personnel on a daily basis. This is the sixth year of the program.
"We are delighted to celebrate the contributions of school support personnel in every Michigan school with this award," said Kathleen N. Straus, State Board of Education President. "Deb represents the unsung heroes in support roles in our school districts."
"You couldn't have picked a more deserving candidate than Deb for the award," said Constantine Superintendent Chuck Frisbie. "She's one of those employees who does everything with the kids in mind. Everyone who saw the amount of time and effort Deb put into making "March is Reading Month" successful this year knows what she means to Eastside Elementary. Deb Nihart exemplifies everything good about school support employees and her positive attitude rubs off on the entire staff."
Kristin Flynn, Principal of Eastside Elementary said, "Deb is an exceptional school support person because she always puts kids first! Moreover, I have been impressed with her "can-do" attitude, organization, willingness to take on additional tasks and team player demeanor. Her work ethic and character make her a model employee.
"Deb's extensive preparation, collaboration with teachers, hard work and dedication provides Constantine's Eastside Elementary with a Library/Media program that is a model of active learning where students are highly motivated, eager participants who enjoy learning….The greatest testament to Deb's excellence...is the rapport she builds with her students. Whether she is dreaming up a new, exciting reading challenge, finding ways to provide new books to her students, or finding that special way to create a spark with a reluctant reader, Deb continually motivates, challenges, and connects to her kids," said Chris Barnes, Information/Instruction Technology Consultant with the St. Joseph County ISD.
First grade teacher, Sheree Sorensen, commented, "No job is too big, too difficult, or too overwhelming for Mrs. Nihart. She rises above the many expectations put upon her and conscientiously brings the staff together to focus on enjoyable and positive community-based learning through literature.
Kindergarten teacher, Carol Teter, said, "Mrs. Nihart is just the nicest person in the world."
"Mrs. Nihart is the reason why I would consider pursuing a career in education. She has an uncanny ability to control so many five, six, and seven year olds and I could not think of anyone else the kids would have more respect and interest in; they really listen to her!" said Shane Preston, former Constantine student, currently in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Nihart, a member of the Michigan Education Association, has been active in many community activities including Girls On the Run, Riverside Elementary Community Caring-Food Bank, DARE, Constantine Little league, Project Charlie, Cub Scouts, and St. Peter's Lutheran Church.
Through the corporate sponsorship of MEEMIC Insurance Company*, Eastside Elementary School will receive a monetary award in honor of Mrs. Nihart's recognition as Michigan School Support Person of the Year. The corporate support agreement between the Michigan Department of Education and MEEMIC Insurance Company also includes a monetary award presented to the schools of each of the SSPOY finalists.
State-level finalists for the 2008-2009 Michigan School Support Person of the Year included:
- Kathy Petoskey, Technology Coordinator/Media Center, Farwell High School, Farwell
- Linda Stockton, Front Office Secretary, Harrison High School, Farmington School District
- Katie Vargo, Office Professional, Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center, Bay City
For additional information on the Michigan School Support Person of the Year program, log on to www.michigan.gov/sspoy.
*MEEMIC is the leading provider of home and automobile insurance for school employees in the State of Michigan. See the attachment for further details about MEEMIC Insurance Company.
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