Walled Lake names Teachers of the Year; finalists receive cash and community awards

Walled Lake Consolidated Schools honored 19 school‑level nominees and announced district finalists and winners in its annual Teacher of the Year celebration. The program recognized educators across elementary, middle and high‑school levels for instructional leadership and student support.

Assistant Superintendent Ali Hamkam described the multi‑stage selection process, in which 19 school nominees were narrowed to six finalists and then to three district finalists by committee review, essays and interviews. The finalists presented excerpts of their essays explaining "why I teach."

Finalists and winners: teachers from Wixom, Walnut Creek and Walled Lake Central were among those recognized; the board announced third place (Jennifer Sadoway), second place (Jennifer Max Bauer) and first place (Stephanie Myers). The first‑place winner received $5,000; second and third places received $1,000 and $500 respectively; Walled Lake Schools Federal Credit Union provided $500 gift cards to each finalist. Representatives from LaFontaine Chrysler Jeep Ram also presented awards and remarks.

Board and community leaders praised honorees for creating safe, inclusive classrooms and for going above regular duties to support students. Jackie Gerwin, executive director of the Foundation for Excellence, noted the foundation has awarded $60,000 across district classrooms and encouraged continued community support.

The board recessed for 10 minutes after the presentation and resumed regular meeting business.