Walled Lake honors educators, donors and student athletes at board meeting

The board meeting opened with several community recognitions: the district presented Golden Apple awards, Foundation for Excellence honors and detailed athletic recognitions across Walled Lake Western, Central and Northern.

Golden Apple and Foundation awards: The board awarded a Golden Apple to Diane Sazar, a paraeducator at Clifford Smart Middle School, praised for work mainstreaming students into general education and creating instructional supports. The Foundation for Excellence (FFE) recognized Auk Construction for more than 30 years of district partnership, Nancy Van Lewin for longtime service and support to schools, and Judy Evola with the Michael Bernhardt award for sustained philanthropic efforts and a scholarship donation to a graduating senior.

Athletics recognitions: Athletic directors from Walled Lake Western, Central and Northern presented year‑end honors, including state qualifiers, state champions, academic All‑State recognitions and team awards across football, track and field, hockey, volleyball, swimming, cheer and other sports. Walled Lake Western highlighted state qualifiers in track and field and multiple academic All‑State athletes. Central noted state champions including a shot‑put and high‑jump champion and an advancing boys volleyball team. Northern highlighted state qualifiers in swim and dive, cross country, track relays and a wrestler who placed at Ford Field.

Why it matters: The recognitions reflected athletic and academic accomplishments across the district and acknowledged community partners whose donations and volunteer time support classrooms, special programs and student scholarships.

Ending: Trustees and staff thanked honorees and volunteers and congratulated graduating seniors across the district.