UCS educator honored for driving success

A music educator who is honored statewide for excellence was named the Utica Community Schools Teacher of the Year and recipient of a vehicle lease of his choice from The Suburban Collection.

Malow Junior High School instrumental music teacher Jeffery Groth received a complimentary lease of a 2018 Silver Mustang Coupe from Suburban Ford after being named Teacher of Year by Superintendent Dr. Christine Johns at a special celebration March 23.

“Mr. Groth is a respected educator who showcases the talents of students with professional performances throughout the region and state,” Superintendent Dr. Johns said. “As our 2018 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Groth reflects the dedication, innovation and commitment of our entire teaching staff.”

As the 2018 Teacher of the Year, Groth was invited to pick out a car of his choice. He chose the silver Mustang at Suburban Ford of Sterling Heights immediately after the announcement by Dr. Johns.

“The Suburban Collection is proud to highlight the men and woman who dedicate so much of themselves to the successful development of the children in our communities,” said David Fischer, Jr., President and COO of The Suburban Collection. “We’re truly grateful that our business has allowed us the opportunity to show our gratitude over the past sixteen years.”

In addition to Sterling Heights/Utica, The Suburban Collection awarded vehicle leases to 2018 ‘Teacher of the Year Award’ winners from the Birmingham, Clarkston, Farmington/Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Novi, Troy and Waterford school districts.

Groth, a 24-year educator, has seen his students perform on professional stages, the Music Hall Café and the Detroit Jazz Festival. The Malow Jazz Band was selected this year to perform at the Michigan Music Conference in January – a rare honor for a junior high band.

He is a recognized leader in music education, serving in several key positions with the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, District 16.

In addition to Teacher of the Year, Groth was also named the UCS Junior High School Teacher of the Year.

Other teachers honored this year include Michelle Brasza, of West Utica Elementary School as Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Justin Spear, of the Utica Academy for International Studies, as High School Teacher of the Year.

About the Suburban Collection
The Suburban Collection based in Troy, MI, offers an array of automotive solutions to retail and industry customers throughout Michigan, Florida and California. The company's 65+ year commitment to customer service excellence is backed by a comprehensive selection of brand names, spanning 48 convenient locations, AAA-approved auto repair and ten Suburban Collision Center locations.

The Suburban Collection also operates three GM-Authorized accessory distributors and installers; Accessories of Michigan, Accessories of Florida and Accessories of Chicago. The company's Competitive Vehicle Services (CVS) division ensures that the latest vehicle models are always within reach of businesses that design and test the vehicle safety of the automobiles of tomorrow. The Suburban Collection also manages the fleet of historical General Motors vehicles as Global Logistics Services.

For more information visit: www.SuburbanCollection.com

About Utica Community Schools
Utica Community Schools, Michigan’s second largest school district, is recognized nationally in education. Student achievement levels in the district continue to outpace local, state and national levels. The district’s graduation rate is 93 percent – 13 points higher than the state average. The district prepares students for success in a global economy through a focus of four key strategies: providing academic excellence, preparing positive digital citizens, promoting student innovation and ensuring accountability. For more information, visit www.uticak12.org or follow on Twitter @uticaschools.

Source: Utica Community Schools

Dr. Christine Johns, Superintendent

Http://www.uticak12.org