Anchor Bay recognizes student writers and names three teachers of the year

The Anchor Bay School Board opened its meeting by honoring dozens of student writers who won local Kaleidoscope awards, with principals and teachers introducing each building's recipient and describing the student work.

At Ashley Elementary the board recognized Calie (spelled variously in the packet) for a personal narrative about the birth of twin cousins; Great Oaks presented a second-grade winner, Julia Seal, for a descriptive poem about a worm; Lighthouse recognized Lucas Nezalevich for a piece about overcoming fear; other building winners included Carter Seal, Justin ("The Girl Who Became a Police Officer"), Kennedy Growler and Olivia and Avery at the middle and high school levels. Presenters praised the students' use of voice, vivid description and figurative language, and invited families and teachers to photograph the honorees.

The meeting also singled out three teachers of the year. Administrator remarks introduced Kelly Samarit as the elementary teacher of the year, noting her hands-on science instruction and community partnerships. The board named Lana Kinninger Middle School North's teacher of the year, citing her leadership in special education and mentoring of new teachers. Katherine Inglehart was honored as high school teacher of the year for her long service in special education and for individualized, data-driven supports for students.

Why it matters: Student awards and teacher recognitions are a routine but influential way the board and community highlight classroom achievement, teacher leadership and programs that feed into career and college pathways.

Board action and next steps: The recognitions were ceremonial; there were no votes tied to award decisions at the meeting. The board invited students, staff and families for group photos following the presentations.