GEM Award Winner - Jim Barber

Lisa Daum - Multilingual Learner Teacher, Wildwood Elementary

Nomination letter:

"Lisa is an awesome teacher and an even better human being! She goes the extra mile every day for her ML students, but for the general education students in the building that she doesn’t see. 

Lisa has built an amazing relationship with a 3rd grader who is not one of her students! He struggles controlling his emotions, and he does a check-in/check-out with Mrs. Daum each day that she takes on all on her own. She pumps him up and he has a goal that he works toward with her!

At Halloween she made sure each of her ML students had a costume to wear so they wouldn’t be left out of the festivities!

Mrs. Daum also made sure each 5th grade ML student that wanted to go to camp in November was able to go. She bought bathing suits, and found sleeping bags and other supplies that they needed to be able to go!

She gives her students 110% every single day!

I’m so proud to call Lisa my friend and colleague.”

Kate Hagen, 6th Grade Teacher, Stevenson Middle School

Nomination letter:

"Kate consistently goes above and beyond in her commitment to students, colleagues, and the Stevenson Middle School community. Although she is new to Stevenson Middle School this year, she has quickly established herself as a dedicated and trusted leader. She willingly takes on additional students with challenging behaviors, ensuring they receive the support, structure, and compassion needed to succeed. Kate is currently serving as a mentor to a student teacher during the winter semester, generously sharing her expertise, modeling best practices, and guiding a future educator with professionalism and care. She does all of this with humility and a genuine desire to do what is best for students."

Dave LaChance, Lead Mechanic, Transportation Department

Nomination letter:

"Dave LaChance went above and beyond during extreme cold weather conditions, working tirelessly in -18 degree temperatures to ensure buses were started and drivers were able to begin their routes safely and on time. He took the initiative to assist drivers throughout the morning and played a critical role in diagnosing and repairing multiple buses that experienced cold-related mechanical issues.

Dave’s commitment, expertise, and willingness to step up under challenging conditions directly supported the success of our operations that day. The entire Transportation Department proudly nominates Dave LaChance for a GEM Award in recognition of his outstanding dedication and service."

Scot Martin, High School Teacher, Wayne Memorial High School

Nomination letter:

"Scot goes the extra mile by providing engaging enrichment activities for his students, many of which provide opportunities for students to connect with nature. For example, raising salmon and releasing them in the Rouge River, taking hikes and boat exhibitions, and having a bald eagle and owl brought in are just a few experiences Scot has offered students."

Bill Grove, Physical Education Teacher

Nomination letter:

"Bill Grove stands out as an exceptional leader in promoting student and staff wellness, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to building a healthier, more supportive educational community. His most notable achievement has been a comprehensive initiative to improve the health of Elliott students and staff through strategic fundraising for exercise and wellness equipment.

He developed an innovative fundraising campaign that not only raised significant resources for exercise equipment but also educated peers about the importance of physical and mental health. This emphasized the critical connection between physical activity, mental wellness, and academic success.”