Below is a selection of comments from the many nominations that were submitted by parents, students, teachers and volunteers. The name, grade level and school of the teacher which the comments refer to are listed after each comment. We are grateful for the tremendous love, determination and sacrifice of our teachers.
“Mary is generous with her time. She has the patience of a Saint and the biggest heart. She genuinely cares for each of her students and they can feel that. My son adores her and he's never worked as hard for anyone like he does for Mary...(about Mary Albers, second grade, Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary, Saginaw)
“This Covid-19 pandemic really did put everyone in shock, especially the teachers. The teachers had to work long and hard to figure out ways to teach their students long distance. During this pandemic, I believe that my teacher did an exceptional job at teaching us. She made sure that everyone had a device to work on and were able to receive the assignments. If the student wasn't able to do this, she found another way to get them the work… She had office hours in which we could have a google meet meeting and get help with our math or social studies. She'd make sure that we knew the subject inside and out. The special thing was that Mrs. G actually cared that you understood what she was teaching. You were going to bring that knowledge into the next grade and she wanted you to know it well.” (about Katie Grzegorczyk, sixth, seventh and eighth grade, St. Brigid of Kildare School)
“During the stay at home order, I was surprised to see my son up early in the morning streaming mass on his device. He later told me that Mrs. Lamb encouraged them to watch mass regularly and not just on Sundays… As a 7th and 8th Grade teacher, Mrs. Lamb gives the kids a lot of autonomy in the classroom. She has high expectations for each student but lets them manage their workload and figure out how to hit the goals. Students work productively in her classroom and assume responsibility for their learning.” (about Dawn Lamb, seventh and eighth grade, St. Elizabeth Area Catholic School, Reese)
“Mrs. Causley has been very influential in my son's learning this year. If she noticed he was struggling, she would work one on one with him whenever he needed it. She would text or call me if needed as well. During the school closure, she even took time out to study with him via zoom twice a week. (He's been struggling with this virtual schooling) … She is just a fabulous, giving, caring loving person. She truly deserved this!” (about Jill Causely, second grade, All Saints Central Elementary School, Bay City)
“Mrs. Wolschleger is present and a positive role model throughout the school. The children in her class admire her especially for her creativeness, kindness, and patience. I have volunteered in the classroom and have witnessed firsthand how great of a relationship that she has with her students.” (about Cristina Wolschleger, kindergarten, St. Elizabeth Area Catholic School, Reese)
“Two things come to mind: "They will know us by our love," and "Faith without works is dead." Being new to the school, and my child resistant to a private school, Mrs. Lemke demonstrated faith and Christian values by her actions (kindness, patience, compassion, etc.), which was wonderful to see and I believe has had a meaningful impact. She has a "contagious" sort of positivity and warmth, and her professionalism is also second to none in the way she conducts herself online and in-person.” (about Wendy Lemke, sixth grade, Sacred Heart Academy, Mount Pleasant)
“Ellen Burtch is an extraordinarily gifted band teacher. She makes learning to play an instrument fun, and her students love her. She brings out the best in every student and meets their individual needs, including working with them before or after school. To watch her teach and interact with large groups of students making noise with instruments in their mouths is amazing. The control and respect she maintains while teaching students to play their instruments and learn the fundamentals of music is impressive. The fruits of her efforts are displayed in her magnificent Christmas and Spring concerts. Mrs. Burtch has a real gift of bringing out the musical abilities and talents of the students, from the beginning fifth grade band to the advanced eighth grade band. The music these bands play is beyond what is expected for their grade level and a joy to experience.” (about Ellen Burtch, fifth through eighth grade, Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary, Saginaw)
“Miss Garrow is demonstrates Catholic values both professionally and personally. She cares very much for every child in her class and wants each one of them to succeed. This year our daughter who is in Miss Garrow's class had an accident at the very beginning of the school year. While our daughter was in the hospital, Miss Garrow and the class would pray for her every day. She sent notes and cards from the class. She also sent a care package while she was in the hospital for 8 days.” (about Dori Garrow, third grade, St. Michael School, Pinconning)
“Jessica is the heart and soul of AACS. Her bright smile and personality shines for every student and family at AACS. Her love of Christ and others beams from her… Jessica has found numerous ways to teach all students in her classroom. She keeps them learning and engaged throughout the day” (about Jessica Spencer, pre-K and kindergarten, Auburn Area Catholic School, Auburn)
“Mrs. Schlicker exudes Christ-like values in everything she does. As parents, we are grateful for teachers like her and their ability to guide elementary students in such a caring way… During this time of lockdown, our daughter's teacher goes over and above, even delivering papers and candy to student's homes! Wow.” (about Jill Schlicker, third grade, Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary, Saginaw)
“As a former classroom teacher and current regional instructional technologist, I am in awe of Lee Ann's effective and creative use of technology to engage students. She is ahead of the curve. Even prior to the physical school closure in March, Lee Ann was using a variety of meaningful experiences on a daily basis, both technology-based and "unplugged". The transition to remote learning was seamless for her students, and I feel the level of engagement and learning has remained superior.” (about Lee Ann Puhlman, grades 9-12, Sacred Heart Academy, Mount Pleasant)
“Mrs. Neetz is a caring, compassionate teacher. My son said, "She never has a boring class." … In my 13 years of attending Saginaw Diocese Catholic Schools and 23 years teaching in them, Mary Beth Neetz is the most dedicated, faith filled teacher I have ever encountered. I am so honored that both my children have had the experience of being in Mrs. Neetz's class.” (about Mary Beth Neetz, fourth grade, All Saints Central Elementary School, Bay City)
“Mrs. Carpp has been an outstanding teacher and a faith-filled and valued member of the teaching staff at NCCE for years. She has taught and inspired students at the elementary level to go on to do great artworks at the next level. Mrs. Carpp provides an excellent Christian moral background, combining art and faith in creative, interesting and valuable ways.” (about Melissa Carpp, all grades, Nouvel Catholic Central Elementary, Saginaw)
“We are non-Catholic and chose to send our daughter to St. Mary primarily due to the academic foundations we want to provide to her. Mrs. Little is doing an outstanding job promoting religion to her little students and we have noticed, that our daughter is benefiting from this way more than we had expected. I would go as far as saying that thanks to Mrs. Little's leadership, we have welcomed religion into our home way more than we expected…" (about Stephanie Little, young five and kindergarten, St. Mary School, Alma)