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 Cory M. Roell, a student at Bay College West Campus , where he won recognition for his community volunteer service to youth projects in North Dickenson County while pursuing a degree in elementary education .

Roell carries a long list of youth-centered activities in his portfolio. He is there whenever a speaker system needs to be hooked up, a volunteer bus driver is needed to take youth to a special event. Whenever the district needs assistance with the band, or any special project involving kids, Cory steps up to help. If all this isn’t enough from one person, it should also be noted that Cory M. Roell is just 19 years old.

“Cory Roell exemplifies what the Champion for Children Award is all about,” says Claude Siders, Superintendent of the North Dickinson County School . Siders nominated Roell for the award. “He is a remarkable person with energy and determination that is focused on doing anything and everything he can to help students in our school, community and region.”

Region 2 presented its award to Paul Liabenow. Liabenow is the Superintendent of Cadillac Area Public Schools at Cadillac Area Public Schools , where he won recognition for successfully engaging the entire community to address the problem of teen suicide at Cadillac Area Public Schools.

Cadillac was faced with multiple student suicides starting early in the 2005-06 school year. As the district mourned, Paul Liabenow took action to address the issues at hand. Paul arranged for a variety of skilled speakers to talk directly to students. He arranged for regional human service leadership council to be trained so they might confront the issues that lead to suicide with adolescents. He worked with the local media to proactively address the challenges presented to families, childran and the Cadillac Community. Paul Laibenow stepped up when the children of his district needed guidance and leadership the most, said nominators.

“He made a difference with his dedication, compassion and willingness to address a life and death problem head on,” said nominators. “Paul Laibenow is truly a Champion for Children.”

Region 3 presented its award to Allison Hammond, who serves as the “Welcome to Schools Director” at Hopkins Public Schools . This Welcoming Schools position was created to develop a 0-5 school readiness program for Allegan County . Because of her vision, hard work, and dedication for early childhood, other schools in Kent and Kalamazoo counties have modeled and adopted similar programs, said nominator, Tom Martin, Superintendent of Hopkins Public Schools.

“Mrs. Allison Hammond is truly a Champion for Children, said Martin.”

Region 5 presented its award to Alberta Martin. Martin is a Lake Fenton Community Schools Board of Education member and community volunteer. Alberta Martin has served children in the State of Michigan for many years in a variety of capacities. Beginning in 1969, Mrs. Martin served on the Detroit Board of Education for 12 years. She has served on the Lake Fenton Community Schools board for over 22 years.

“Being a board member is usually enough involvement for one person, but not for Alberta Martin," said nominator Ralph Coaster , Superintendent of Lake Fenton Community Schools. Martin serves on a number of boards and donates her time to children at all levels.

“But middle school children have always been her passion,” said Coaster. “What few hours she has during the day not consumed by her involvement in volunteer organizations she spends at the middle school working with teachers and students.

Martin has been recognized at the county, state and national levels for her service and passion for children. “It's time we recognize her as well,” said Coaster.

Region 6 presented its award to Donald J. Trap, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education at Shiawassee RESD . Trap is being recognized for being one of the pioneering adminstrators who saw the need for an Early Intervention Program for families who had children with disabilities. He sought and captured a large grant for Early On services for Shiawassee County, putting the county in the forefront of providing special education services for children birth to age five. Don's tireless relationship building efforts led to a $120,000 Great Start Collaborative grant, which will establish a comprehensive early childhood system in Shiawasee County .

“Don has gained recognition and awards, but his most important contribution is his compassion for those in need and his ability to pull the community together for a worthy cause,” wrote nominator John Hagel, SESD Superintendent. “He never does things for recognition; rather, he does them because it is the right thing to do.”

Region 7 presented its award to Mike Morris. Morris is a volunteer at Gobles Public Schools , where he won recognition for his former Board of Education service and Elementary Parent Committee in Gobles Public Schools.

“When Mike was on the school board, we could not have had a more genuine caring and effective person on the board,” said nominator Scott Dunsmore, Superintendent of Gobels Public Schools. “He truly placed students first in all decisions made. Mike has even used his personal and professional experiences to education students of Gobles Public Schools. Mike is such a wonderful resource for the entire community. I cannot think of a more deserving person for the MASA Regional Champion for Children Award.”

Region 8 presented its award to Dr. John A. Fallon, III, President of Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Fallon has been a key partner in the development of the Early College Alliance (ECA) Health Care initiative in Washtenaw County . This initiative constitutes a unique partnership between Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw ISD and four school districts in Washtenaw County. Through this partnership high school students will be able to complete a high school diploma by accessing post-secondary coursework at EMU while preparing for careers in the health care field. This is the type of program that the Governor referenced in her recent State of the State speech.

“Dr. Fallon has embraced this opportunity and is working to create an environment that will result in tremendous learning possibilities for the students of Washtenaw County ,” said Scott Menzel, superintendent of Whitmore Lake Public Schools, who nominated Fallon for the award.

This type of commitment to K-12 education is unique among four-year institutions and makes Dr. Falon a true “Champion for Children.”

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.