Avondale School District students recognized for excellence

Deerfield Elementary student Cristina Tet and teacher Mary Scholz were honored at the event.

For the 22nd consecutive year, the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Detroit Pistons, honored Avondale School District students and teachers during a special celebration designed to promote the link between business, education, and the community. The event, the Annual Excellence in Education Awards Program, recognizes students in each Avondale school, from elementary through high school, along with an educator chosen by the student. The program is hosted by the Chamber and is made possible through the generosity of area businesses including the Detroit Pistons, Faurecia North America, DBusiness Magazine, Oakland University, Baker College of Auburn Hills, Consumers Energy, Pixley Funeral Home, Avondale Education Foundation, Central Michigan University, and Oakland Community College.

Students are nominated to receive the Excellence in Education Award by teachers and school administrators for demonstrating qualities that set them apart from their peers. Sometimes the students are nominated because they have overcome an obstacle in their lives or to their learning, often times they are nominated for selfless service to their community, always they inspire the best in others – or a sense of excellence.

As part of the event, students composed and read aloud tributes honoring an educator who has had a great impact on their lives. The testimonials were personal and touching, adding moments of levity as well as heartfelt emotion to the event. The students lauded their teachers for going above and beyond in order to meet the needs of their students and for helping them to develop as learners and community members. Throughout the event, it was clear that the students chosen as examples of excellence were matched by the teachers who helped them achieve selection for the honor.

2018 Avondale School District Excellence in Education students and their most influential educators:

Chelsea Howe attends Auburn Elementary School and she is the daughter of Jennifer and Michael Howe. Her teachers say that “she enjoys the academic challenges she faces and the opportunity she has to enhance her academic understanding in all areas of school. She responds to constructive feedback with respect and a growth mindset. Chelsea shows initiative by looking for new ways to become involved.” Chelsea chose 4th grade teacher, Ms. Lori Sakalian as her most influential educator.

Deerfield Elementary School student Cristina Tet is the daughter of Anamaria and Florian Tet. Cristina was selected to be honored because she “leads by example. She is a deep-thinking problem solver who sees the big picture. She is always looking one step ahead to see how things connect. Cristina is authentically interested in growing and learning. She gets right to work with engagement – be it a science experiment or writing an essay.” Fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Mary Scholz, is Cristina’s choice for most influential educator.

Morgan Klang, daughter of Sally and Marvin Klang, attends R. Grant Graham Elementary School and was honored at the event. Morgan’s teacher say that she “consistently goes above and beyond both in the classroom and when serving her school community. She is unfailingly kind and helpful to other students and staff. Morgan is the captain of the school safety patrol and carries out the responsibilities as well as dealing with any problem that may occur.” Morgan choice form most influential educator is 3rd grade teacher Molly Vesper.

Steffany Davis attends Woodland Elementary and is the daughter of Rita and Cyril Davis. Steffany was chosen for the Excellence in Education Award because she “is a responsible, kind, hardworking student. She has always persevered through her struggles with a positive attitude. You can always find Steffany smiling and willing to lend a helping hand whenever she can. Steffany has brought and continues to bring so much joy and laughter to her peers and teachers.” For her most influential educator, Steffany chose 4th grade teacher, Ms. Amy Oliver.

Avondale Middle School student Dorian Robinson, the daughter of Delesha and Donald Robinson, is “a well-rounded student who demonstrates that education isn’t just about studying for school but it is also about understanding the balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Dorian is a strong believer in making this world a better place to live and she enjoys encouraging others to celebrate life.” Dorian chose Avondale Middle School teacher, Ms. Mary Nofs as the teacher who has been most influential in her life.

Also from Avondale Middle School, Vivek Chanduri, the son of Lalitha and Sundar Chanduri, was selected for recognition and noted as being a “hardworking student who accepts challenges with a positive attitude. He is friendly and has good interpersonal skills and steps up to help others. He participates in several extra-curricular activities while excelling in a rigorous academic schedule having achieved Principal’s Honor Roll every trimester for the last three years.” Vivek chose to honor Mr. Ray Went as his most influential teacher.

Erica Underwood attends the Avondale Academy. She is the daughter of Charla and Leon Underwood and received the Excellence in Education Award because she is “a talented artist, musician, and student. She does well academically and challenges herself by taking college level classes through the Avondale/MEEMIC Risk Management program. Erica uses her leadership skills to assist in community projects, plan activities, and give tours to new students. Erica honored Avondale Academy teacher, Mr. Eric Kravako, as her most influential teacher.

Terrez Smith, the son of Tamika Smith and Robert Guice, attends Avondale High School and was honored at the event. Terrez’ teachers say that he is “a well-rounded student who is liked and respected by both his peers and the high school staff. Other students look up to Terrez as he is a man of action. Many people say the words that people want to hear but they lack the action or follow-through to really make their words mean something. Terrez is different, he is the complete package and people admire him for that.” Terrez selected Avondale High School Teacher Mr. Tim Morton as his most influential teacher.

Also receiving the Excellence in Education Award from Avondale High School, was Sophia Conant, daughter of Tracey and Charles Conant. Sophia received the award because she is “intrinsically smart and level-headed. She works hard in her academics and often takes two or three Advanced Placement classes each semester. She is constantly pushing herself to get better and be better.” Sophia honored retired Avondale High School teacher, Mr. Edmond Guay as her most influential teacher.