Deann Smith, a teacher at Ashley Community Schools in Gratiot County, has won the Michigan Lottery’s Excellence in Education award for her outstanding dedication to her students. Smith has worked in various roles at the school, going above and beyond to support her students. The award, established in 2014, recognizes public-school educators who show excellence, dedication, leadership, and effectiveness.
According to Michigan Lottery Connect, Deann Smith teaches chemistry, biology, physical education, and health and takes on many other roles in her district, including coaching, serving on committees, running fundraisers, and assisting at sporting events. The Excellence in Education award comes with a $2,000 cash prize, and Smith will also be featured in a news segment to inspire other educators to achieve similar recognition.
"I never considered any other field, going into education and being a teacher was what I’ve always wanted to do. My former teachers from this very school many years ago, showed me the significance of what a kind-hearted, caring, and dedicated person could do to make a promising difference in students’ lives. Empowering and making a positive impact on our youth to think for themselves and become healthy adults, that contribute to society, has always been my main goal," Smith told Michigan Lottery Connect.
Her continued efforts extend to organizing trips such as a biology excursion to Hawaii and fundraising for an upcoming trip to the Galapagos Islands, ensuring students have access to enriching experiences. "The kids are important to me and they need to know that they're important to me," Smith said in a statement obtained by FOX 17 News.
Smith has been rewarded for her immense contributions not only to education but also to the community at large, as seen in a news segment by 9and10news. The Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education Awards, sponsored by the Michigan Lottery, have distributed over $28 billion to public education since 1972, recognizing the vital role that educators like Smith play in shaping the future not only in the classroom but also in life's broader scope.
