By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Do you know someone who has made a difference in the lives of students who attend Otsego Public Schools or Plainwell Community Schools?
If so, you can nominate that individual for a 2022 Outstanding People for Education Award.
The award, presented each year by the Allegan Area Educational Service Agency, honors those in Allegan County who have made a positive impact on the educational community. Each participating district—including Otsego and Plainwell—can select up to three winners from the nominees received.
Nominations will be accepted through Tuesday, March 1.
While teachers can certainly be nominated, the award is not solely for teachers. Others who can be considered for nomination include classroom aides, administrators, secretaries, board of education members, bus drivers, custodians, school social workers or counselors and volunteers.
Nominations can come from anyone—such as students, parents, school staff or community members—but nominations as part of a class assignment will not be accepted.
When submitting a nomination, please consider the following criteria:
- Someone involved in public education who has made a difference in the overall quality of education in Allegan County by:
• Demonstrating knowledge and skill in their area of responsibility.
• Developing unique programs that have enhanced the classroom learning experience.
• Playing a leadership role in education.
• Being a true team player in a school setting.
• Providing support for a program, service, or event that significantly impacts education.
• Exhibiting an attitude that promotes a positive working and learning environment and reflects positively on our school district. - Someone who has made an impact on the quality of an individual student’s educational experience by:
• Demonstrating sensitivity to the needs of individual students.
• Providing service above and beyond, over and above their job description.
Each district will form its own selection committee that is made up of at least one administrator, one board member, one teacher and one support staff.
The Outstanding People for Education winners will be recognized at a special dinner at OPS in May.
To nominate someone from Otsego Public Schools, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewtY809BMqwKtIr3Eb2risKUCAutpLTma1FXFqq68FUm0HOg/viewform?pli=1.
To nominate someone from Plainwell Community Schools, go to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexaacVQRFLFJCpi1he4buYsrVm6gEmiDHW-k2VpYPe8QERvQ/viewform.