At the recent Edwardsburg Public Schools Board of Education meeting, the spotlight shone brightly on Patty Fennell, the district's dedicated media specialist librarian. Recognized for her exceptional contributions across all five school buildings, Fennell has been a vital part of the educational community since 1998.

Erin Zusiak, vice president of the Edwardsburg Education Association, praised Fennell as a "superwoman," highlighting her passion for fostering student growth from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Fennell expressed her love for books and their power to ignite curiosity and learning among students. She relishes the joy of helping young children check out their first book and guiding older students in research and technology projects.

Colleagues echoed her impact, with Becky Wright, an honors English teacher, noting Fennell's unwavering support for student projects, including a civil rights museum and a catalog of books tailored to students' interests. "Our schools would not function without Mrs. Fennell," Zusiak stated, emphasizing her role as an inspiring figure for both students and teachers.

In addition to honoring Fennell, the meeting also featured a discussion on a grant awarded to the primary school. Tracy Spalding shared her excitement about securing funding from the Heart of Cook grant, which supports educational initiatives in the region. The grant, administered through the Berrien Community Foundation, aims to enhance educational experiences and is backed by local nuclear plant employees.

The recognition of Fennell and the grant award reflect Edwardsburg Public Schools' commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for both students and educators. As the district continues to prioritize innovative educational projects, the community can look forward to the positive impacts these initiatives will bring.