Athens Teacher Receives Pistons/Farm Bureau Game-Changer Award

Athens Teacher Receives Pistons/Farm Bureau Game-Changer Award

A teacher from Athens High School has been recognized by the Detroit Pistons and Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan as a “Game Changer” for making a positive impact in his classrooms and in the lives students. Shawn DuFresne has been selected as one of this year’s 10 award recipients out of over 50 nominations. “We are pleased to join Farm Bureau Insurance in congratulating and recognizing Troy Athens High School teacher Shawn DuFresne as a game changer in our community,” said Charlie Metzger, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer for the Detroit Pistons. Athens Principal Lara Dixon agreed, saying “We are so proud of our 'Game Changer;' Shawn is an exceptional educator who has had a lasting impact in the classroom and on the lives of his students.”

DuFresne was nominated by a parent and has been at Athens for the past 23 years serving in multiple capacities including as an English teacher, Cross Country Assistant Coach, Boys Track and Field Assistant Coach, Student Council Co-Adviser, Project Lead Co-Adviser and Student Newspaper Adviser. “I am thankful for this recognition and honored to represent the outstanding staff of Athens High School and the Troy School District.”

DuFresne was invited to the March 3rd Pistons home game, where he was formally recognized by the Detroit Pistons and Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan and presented with a $1,000 check to be used at his discretion for the needs of his students/classrooms. DuFresne plans to share the prize money with his colleagues to purchase books for their classroom libraries and flexible seating for students. Additionally, a portion of the funds will finance student council leadership training.

“Over the last three years, the Detroit Pistons Farm Bureau Game Changers program has awarded 20 educators making a difference in their schools and impacting the lives of their students,” concluded Metzger. “And we are fortunate to have Farm Bureau Insurance as a great partner this endeavor.”
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Photo Courtesy of the Detroit Pistons: L to R: Pistons Mascot Hooper, Farm Bureau Insurance Agent Jason Jones, Troy Teacher Shawn DuFresne, Pistons In-arena Host Lauren Jbara