Regions Present Champion for Children Awards

Each year MASA regions present their own Champion for Children Award to an outstanding member of their community who has had a positive impact on education in their region. This year’s recipients are no exception.

Region 1 presented its award to Matt Houle. Mr. Houle is the High School Activities Director at Gladstone High School , where he won recognition for his service to children in the Gladstone community. "Matt will always do the extra, the little important things that allow students an opportunity to be successful. Students believe in him, trust him and know that he cares about them as individuals. He is an inspiration to students…" - William J. Pilstulka, Superintendent Gladstone Area Schools

Region 2 couldn’t pick only one Champion for Children, so it presented its awards to two different recipients – George Johnson and Amy Derrer. Mr. Johnson is Director of Planning and Finance at COOR ISD , and Ms. Derrer is the Mancelona Communities in Schools School Liaison. "Amy Derrer is and has been the most committed person in our community for children. To name just a few of her contributions, she is co-chair of the Executive Board for Communities in Schools, a volunteer coach for Pop Warner cheerleading with over 50 participants, and she is also a volunteer coach for the elementary and middle school basketball program and also for Little League. Amy was nominated for her tireless energy and devotion to the young people of our community." - Matthew J. Miller, Superintendent Mancelona Public Schools

"George Johnson is the Director of Finance and Planning for the COOR Intermediate School District and has performed this function for over three decades. In this time, he has not only concerned himself with the challenges associated with the business side of the organization, but has strived to enrich the lives of children and to positively impact their academic achievement." - Robert Jones, Region 2 Vice President

Region 3 will present its award to Robert Brenner. Mr. Brenner is a retired superintendent from Allegan County ISD. "Bob has dedicated 40 years to the educational profession. As the Superintendent of the Allegan County ISD, Bob was the driving force behind the Early Education Program, which is recognized nationally as an exemplary program. He also was responsible for the implementation of the Allegan County Literacy Initiative, whereby all local districts are committed to having all children reading at grade level by the end of third grade."

Region 4 presented its award to Brian Stadler. Mr. Stadler is the President of Wolgast Corporation and works in Construction Management Services . "Wolgast Corporation has sponsored numerous projects for educational organizations throughout the state. In addition to their numerous donations they have assisted many districts in the running of successful bond issue campaigns and following the campaigns the successful construction of many school projects," - Gary Allen, Region President

Region 5 presented its award to Thomas Kling. Mr. Kling is the Sergeant from the Macomb County Sheriff Department. "As a member of the Macomb County Sheriff Dept., Tom volunteered to teach the DARE Program to students in Memphis …He coached the youth basketball program and organized benefit fund raisers for Project Graduation. He has sponsored student trips to Pistons and Tiger games and even coaches Jr. Varsity Basketball. Tom is a true Champion for Children" - Dennis D. Guiser

Region 8 presented its award to Donald Harkness. Mr. Harkness is a lifelong Milan resident who is very active in the community, and a retired business owner. He was one of the founders of a very popular program called the Health Awareness and Action in Milan . "Don is a very generous, unselfish, modest individual. He cares deeply about children and the community. He is a very worthy candidate for the MASA Regional Champion for Children Award" - Dennis M. McComb, Superintendent Milan Area Schools

Region 9 presented its award to Sheriff Mark Hackel from the Macomb County Sheriff Department. Mr. Hackel has earned recognition for his continuing efforts in the protection of the county’s youth. "Sheriff Hackel has and continues to distinguish himself as a proponent for the protection and nurture of our youth. Specifically, he has released personnel to conduct drug sweeps, terror threat assessments, mock disaster trials, etc. Additionally, he has repeatedly volunteered to speak to assemblies of students and parents regarding school and law enforcement relationships. At a time when governmental agency leaders are repeatedly criticized for an unwillingness to work together, it is reassuring to know I have access to Sheriff Mark A. Hackel." - William Putney, Superintendent

Region 10 presented its award to Helen Moore, a retired state of Michigan employee. Ms. Moore is being recognized for her relentless devotion to the children of Detroit . "For more than 30 years, Ms. Helen Moore has been a tireless advocate for children. First, with Black Parents for Quality Education and now with the Keep the Vote, No Takeover Coalition, Ms. Moore educates her community on school district policy, student rights, and other education-related legal issues and parental involvement efforts. Ms. Moore earned a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University and a juris doctorate from the Detroit College of Law. She is proud of her personal achievements, but even more proud of the thousands of children that she has helped along the way." - William F. Coleman, General Superintendent Detroit Public Schools

Congratulations to all of this year’s regional Champion for Children recipients, and thank you for your tremendous effort and dedication to enriching the lives of our children and the community as a whole. Your contributions and leadership have enhanced children’s opportunities for success and achievement.

If you have any questions, feel free to call Linda Wacyk at lwacyk@gomasa.org 517.327.9268.