TSD Surprises, Celebrates Teachers of the Year

Congratulations to Troy Teachers of the Year!

Surprise Announcements for Preschool, Elementary, Middle and High School

Troy, Mich.— Four outstanding Troy School District teachers were surprised in their classrooms today with the news that they had been selected as Teachers of the Year, out of 63 nominations received. The winners in each category are named below, with Karen Rosewarne also being named as Overall TSD Teacher of the Year. Nomination packets are attached to this release, which include quotes from colleagues, students and parents.

ERICH BEREGSZASZY—Science Teacher, Athens High School, High School Teacher of the Year

Erich Beregszaszy’s nomination praises him as “a great leader and a mentor to our students. He encourages and helps students find their passion. He is very approachable and resourceful,” says parent Gayathri Manickam. Mr. Beregszaszy is also well respected by his colleagues, who describe his classroom as a collaborative space of learning and growth. Dr. Lara Dixon, Principal at Athens says, “When you walk in Erich’s room, you instantly sense that all are comfortable and safe. You see that students work together, make decisions, do the learning, and decide exactly how and what they might try to achieve their task or goal. In his class, students have voice, explore their passion, and achieve.” It’s clear he will have an impact on his students long after they leave his class. As student Vishnav Ramesh says, “I will remember his willingness to see his students not only learn chemistry but be able to understand how it can be used in the real world. Mr. Bear is a great teacher because he actually cares for his classes. He is always willing to accommodate any students' needs or struggles and works incredibly hard outside of school to ensure we have the best resources to succeed.”

SHANNON DZIWANOWSKI—Science Teacher, Larson MS, Middle School Teacher of the Year

Shannon Dziwanowski is a passionate, dedicated teacher who creates a engaging environment for her students to learn. Student Leena Mistretta says, “Mrs. Dziwanowski never fails to bring a new perspective into learning, her energetic and enthusiastic attitude makes everyone excited and eager to learn. She always makes an effort to make sure her students are clear and understanding of the material and is always willing to stop to help a student in need.” It’s that connection with students that impresses parent Brandi Ortbals, “Mrs. Dziwanowski is keenly observant and reaches out to her students when she feels something might be off or they just might need a listening ear. She tries to lessen the heaviness that these trying middle school years bring, whether it’s by playing music or randomly breaking out into song, she models and embraces individuality and silliness. Her unwavering patience, gentle nature, sparkling energy, genuine support and offering of hugs, along with her love for science and learning is exactly what makes a teacher, teacher of the year.”

PATRICIA GRANDY—Troy Preschool Teacher, Preschool Teacher of the Year

Parents describe Pat Grandy as a teacher who goes above and beyond to give the youngest learners a wonderful introduction to school. “Mrs. Grandy is one of those teachers you come across once in your lifetime, my children love her because she is kind, caring, loving and takes the time to get to know them. Mrs. Grandy has the biggest task of all…teaching the littlest ones how to learn. She helps foster her children's creativity, personal skills and encourages creativity daily and I’ve seen this first hand from my two children,” says parent Milka Sabourin. Mrs. Grandy, who also serves as head teacher at the preschool, was also praised by her colleagues as a mentor and trusted collaborator. As fellow teacher Maddi Penz says, “She has taken me under her wing and is a wonderful mentor to me. I can go to her for advice, challenges and guidance as I tackle my first year of teaching. She is always there not only for me but for her entire building and her classroom.”

KAREN ROSEWARNE—5th Grade Teacher, Leonard Elementary, Elementary AND Overall Teacher of the Year Mrs. Rosewarne’s ability to ignite a passion for learning in her student impresses all who come in contact with her—from colleagues to parents to her students themselves. Former student Jacob Azar remembers that she taught him a powerful lesson—to never give up. “Not only did Mrs. Rosewarne leave an impact on me, but she also left an impact on Leonard Alumni. As we reminisce about our elementary school years, lessons from Mrs. Rosewarne came back to us, leaving us with guidance,” says Jacob. Fellow teachers praise her ability to engage students. Fellow teacher Kaitlyn Palma says, “Her knowledge and passion for teaching inspires and impacts her student’s learning, particularly in social studies. Rosewarne brings social studies to life by connecting history to students’ lives today through projects and engaging activities, which end up being some of the student’s most memorable experiences.”

Because she was also named the TSD Overall Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Rosewarne will also receive a two-year vehicle lease, courtesy of the Suburban Collection. Representatives from the Suburban Collection were on hand to present her with a car of her choice.

“The four teachers selected for this recognition are outstanding representatives of the world class teaching in the Troy School District,” said Superintendent Richard Machesky, Ed. D. “They each do a fantastic job of engaging students, connecting with families and collaborating with colleagues to provide the best experience for our students. Erich, Shannon, Pat and Karen ignite a passion for learning that has a lifelong impact on the students in their classrooms. We are extremely proud to have them represent the Troy School District as our Outstanding Teachers of the Year.”

Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence Executive Director Alison Hendry and other representatives were on hand to help celebrate our Preschool, Middle and High School Teachers of the year with $500 checks for each. Said Hendry, "The Troy Foundation for Educational Excellence is so proud to take part in celebrating the TSD Teacher of the Year! Students in Troy are so lucky to be taught by so many fine educators, and we are so grateful to all of them. We love being able to celebrate the best of the best each year through the Teacher of the Year program!"

Fifty-nine other outstanding TSD teachers were nominated by parents, students and colleagues. Each of them was singled out for the dedication and commitment they show every day for their profession. All nominees, who will be honored at a Board of Education meeting in April, include:

Dr. Jennifer Anderson, Hamilton Elementary School

Emily Allen, Martell Elementary School

Jacquelyn (Jacqui) Aronoff, Wattles Elementary School

Erich Beregszaszy, Athens High School (WINNER HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER)

Meredith (Mardi) Bolden, Schroeder Elementary School

Kathleen Bovee, Hamilton Elementary School

Carolyn Brown, Wattles Elementary School

Karen Brozowski, Schroeder Elementary School

Lisa Carruthers, Leonard Elementary School

Cindy Christiansen, Larson Middle School

Abigayle Cohen, Troy Preschool

Kaylee Comes, Wattles Elementary

Scott Crecelius, Larson Middle School

Pat Dawood, Athens High School

Raymond Dawood, Athens High School

Melissa Dodge, Boulan Park Middle School

Carol Dospil, Hamilton Elementary School

Shannon Dziwanowski, Larson Middle School (WINNER MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER)

Stephanie Everett, Troy Preschool

Brian Fahnestock, Baker Middle School

Kevin Flaherty, Troy High School

Georgina Foakes, Bemis Elementary

Stephanie Fragg, Schroeder Elementary

Laura Garver, Larson Middle School

Nicole Given, Martell Elementary School

Pat Grandy, Troy School District Preschool (WINNER PRESCHOOL TEACHER)

Nina Iaquinto, Barnard Elementary School

Sara Jozefiak, Barnard Elementary School

Kelsey Kavulich, Costello Elementary School

Stacie Klumpp, Troy Athens High School

Meghan Kosters, Troy High School

Lynne Krutty, International Academy East

Vanessa LaRocca, Wass Elementary School

Drew LaTorre, Baker Middle School

Frank Leone, Boulan Park Middle School

Jennifer Locke, Martell Elementary School

Carolyn Maher, Wass Elementary School

Holly Malavolti, Schroeder Elementary School

Lindsey Maliepaard, Costello Elementary School

Greyson McKinney, Costello Elementary

Mackenzie Morris, Troy High School

Amanda Morton, Barnard Elementary School

Kelly Naugle, Wass Elementary School

Elizabeth Neuville, Troy Preschool

Colleen Nietzel, Troy Preschool

Alexandria Oleksienko, Morse Elementary School

Jerusha Ondra, Troy High School

Kimberly Phillips, Wattles Elementary School

Joel Podzikowski, Barnard Elementary School

Mike Reimann, Athens High School

Karen Rosewarne, Leonard Elementary School (WINNER ELEMENTARY TEACHER & OVERALL TEACHER OF THE YEAR)

Christine Russell, Barnard Elementary School

Jenna Russell, International Academy East

Kathryn Ruterbusch, Troy Union School

Jackie Skinner, Wass Elementary School

Katie Starn, Leonard Elementary School

Sabrina Stevanovic, Barnard Elementary

Vanessa Suarez, Troy Union Elementary School

Emily Beski Threm, International Academy East

Stacey Tran, Troy Union Elementary

Noelle Wald, Troy High School

Rachel Weiner, Hamilton Elementary School

Debbie Wilson, Troy Union Elementary

The winning Elementary, Middle and High School teachers have been sent to Oakland County for inclusion in the county-wide Teacher of the Year competition. Oakland County does not have a preschool competition at this time.

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