Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce celebrates Avondale students at Excellence in Education Awards Night

Nine students from Avondale School District were recognized during a special event honoring them for their commitment to learning as well as for their contributions to their school community. The occasion, the 21st Annual Excellence in Education Awards Program sponsored by the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce, celebrates the students along with a mentor teacher of their choosing. In partnership with Palace of Sports and Entertainment, Faurecia North America, DBusiness, Oakland University, Baker College, Oakland Community College, Consumers Energy, Pixley Funeral Home, Avondale Education Foundation, and Lake Trust Credit Union, the Chamber honors not only the students but also teachers who have supported the students along their educational journey.

As part of the celebration, students are asked to write a tribute to a teacher who has greatly impacted their life. The students read their tribute to the teacher during the awards presentation, providing some very poignant moments during the event. “The students’ testimonials about their teachers were very moving,” said Avondale School District Superintendent, Dr. James Schwarz. “Their words were heartfelt and inspiring to every educator in the room,” he added.

Following the award presentations and teacher tributes, gifts and scholarships were presented to the senior students through the generosity of Faurecia North America, Baker College, Oakland Community College and Oakland University.

2017 Avondale School District Excellence in Education students chosen by staff in each Avondale School District school:

Jocelynn Flores-Lopez attends Auburn Elementary and is the daughter of Julio Flores and Maria Lopez. Jocelynn was chosen because she is a role model for her peers; takes initiative; exemplifies kindness; and seeks the best in herself and others. Jocelynn chose to honor Auburn Elementary teacher Lori Sakalian.

Stephanie Morar attends Deerfield Elementary and is the daughter of Daniel and Mariana Morer. Stephanie was chosen because she is enthusiastic, dependable, and empathetic. She volunteers to help with the school’s Bridge Buddy program, hallway safety, Recycling Team, and Bible Study Club. Stephanie chose to honor Deerfield Elementary teacher Colleen Cartier.

Eden McClelland attends R. Grant Graham Elementary and is the daughter of Montgomery and Lora McClelland. Eden was chosen because she is kind and caring; a strong leader; a great role model; and puts extra effort into everything she does. Eden chose to honor R. Grant Graham Elementary teacher Molly Vesper.

Zisa Miller attends Woodland Elementary and is the son of Laura Kowaleski. Zisa was chosen because he is hardworking, respectful, responsible, attentive, and kind. He also quietly leads by example as a Safety, in the school’s Bridge Buddy program, and as a member of the Green Team. Zisa chose to honor Woodland Elementary teacher Cassandra Cardinal.

Abigail Masen attends Avondale Middle School and is the daughter of Scott and Erin Masen. Abigail was chosen because she is honest, trustworthy, caring, compassionate, and kind. She is a teacher assistant in a special needs classroom as well as a childcare provider at her church. She loves to give back and is currently making scarves and hats to donate to people in need. Abigail chose to honor Avondale Middle School teacher Rachel Pedersen.

Ryan Darovitz attends Avondale Middle School and is the son of David and Karen Darovitz. Ryan was chosen because he is a great leader and natural role model. He is active in school, serves on the National Junior Honor Society board, and participates in Robotics. He strives to lead by example, following the school’s core values and dedicating himself to achieving quality work. Ryan chose to honor Avondale Middle School teacher Mary Nofs.

Jordan Taylor attends Avondale Academy and Oakland Community College through the ACE Early College Program. She is the daughter of Stacie Davis. Jordan was chosen because she is a help to her teachers, her fellow students, and her community. A natural leader and an excellent student, Jordan is also a member of Leaders of the Future Community Service Group of Teens. Jordan chose to honor teacher Susanne Sims.

Hope Green attends Avondale High School and is the daughter of Mark and Esther Green. Hope was chosen because she is respected by staff and peers because of her determination. She will graduate from Avondale High School with her diploma and an Associate degree. Hope is a member of the Choir and a volunteer at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. Hope chose to honor Avondale teacher and Vocal Music Director Kevin Cornwell.

Jarrett Ward attends Avondale High School and is the son of Sharion Finch-Ward. Jarrett was chosen because he constantly challenges himself and never slows down. He is a dedicated member of the Avondale High School Leadership program and his legacy will be that he gives a voice to the voiceless. Jarrett chose to honor Avondale High School teacher Jennifer Cramer.

In addition to the current students recognized during the celebration, 2005 Excellence in Education Award recipient, Gary Williams was also honored during the evening. Williams, a 2011 Avondale High School graduate received the Special Alumni Student Success Award. He was honored for demonstrating passion for developing the leadership abilities of others. After graduating from Avondale, he completed his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University. While at CMU, he was invited to participate in the Leadership Institute and was one of 40 students accepted into the Leadership Advancement Scholarship out of thousands of applicants. He was then accepted to teach in Detroit through the highly selective Teach for America program. During this time, he went back to complete his master’s degree through Oakland University. Gary made the choice to return to Avondale to serve as a math teacher at Avondale Middle School.