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 Tom Johnson. Tom Johnson is the Director of Community Schools and Athetics at Iron Mountain Public Schools , where he won recognition for his leadership in community safety and athletics. "Toms leadership in athletics has brought Iron Mountain to the level of being one of the premier athletic programs in the state. He always finds a way to help students, parents and coaches in numerous ways throughout the seasons. He stresses sportsmanship, leadersihp, and doing what is right. It is easy to see that Tom's life of positive influence over thousands of student athletes, along with his efforts to provide youth, adults and senior citizens with better education and personal improvement leads this community to success."
- Steve Peffers, superintendent of Marquette-Alger RESA.

Region 2 presented its award to Denis Fitzgerald and Fredric "Jack" Rowan. Denis Fitzgerald is the Hale Middle School Principal, where he won recognition for providing innovative programs to help at-risk students attain higher levels of academic achievement and for helping students make positive choices in their own decision making.

"Jack" Rowan is the Local Business Man and Volunteer Varsity Football Coach and Visionary at Inland Lakes Schools, where he won recognition for his service For initiating and constructing a one million dollar athletic complex for the use of all Inland Lakes students, and former Inland Lakes students attending college free of charge. The Rowan Athletic Complex is a first class facility that is a point of pride for the community, built with donated labor and funds.

Region 3 presented its award to Jane Johnson. Jane Johnson is the Director of the Department of Human Services at Muskegon County, where she won recognition for her active promotion of the Family Resource Center concept with schools in Muskegon County . Nine Family Resource Centers serve six districts in Muskegon County —the highest number per county in the state. “Jane is a spokesperson for doing what is right to benefit children. She is a Champion for Children— and families.”
– Roxanne DeWeerd, MASA Region 3 president.

Region 4 presented its award to Dennis Carmoney. Dennis Carmoney is the president of the Clare Sports Boosters at Clare Public Schools, where he won recognition for his dedication to the student athletes of Clare Public Schools. “Mr. Carmoney is a fighter. He never gives up when it comes to kids. He doesn't require recognition; he does what he does because of his love for the community's chldren.”
- Gregory McMillan, superintendent of Clare Pubic Schools.

Region 5 presented its award to Julie Jowett-Lee. Julie Jowett-Lee is the school social worker at Yale Public Schools, where she won recognition for her development of a community charity that assists students and families in the Yale community throughout the year. “Julie has dedicated herself to this program that is affectionately referred to as 'Julie's Kids.' She is a true Champion for Children.”
- Frank Johnson, superintendent of Yale Public schools.

Region 6 presented its award to Jackie Hurd, Bruce Burger, and John Hagel. Jackie Hurd, Bruce Burger, and John Hagel are the superintendents at Perry Public Schools, Morrice Area Schools and Shiawasee RESD (respectively), where they won recognition for their outstanding work around the the effort to consolidate the Morrice and Perry school districts. “Despite the ultimate defeat of the measure by the voters, these three education leaders conducted themselves with the utmost professionalism in a situation that demanded swift action through uncharted territory. Throughout it all, they remained 'Champions for Children.’”
- Dr. William L. DeFrance, MASA Region 6 president

Region 7 presented its award to Claudia Britigan. Claudia Britigan is the PTO President at Parchment Middle School, where she won recognition for her active involvement not only at the middle school but in the entire Parchment School District. “Claudia has been an integral part of how we do business here at Parchment Middle School. Her involvement has enriched the lives of every student in this building. Her level of participation sets a standard for service to others. …The best part is that Claudia does all this with a cheerful heart and smile.”
- George Stamas. Parchment Middle School Principal.

Region 8 presented its award to Delight Creech. Delight Creech is the Communities in Schools Coordinator at Hudson Area Schools, where she won recognition for her many contributions to the community of Hudson and to the greater Lenawee County community. “If it has to do with people, Delight Creech is there. Delight is truly deserving of being named a Champion for Children.”
- Kathryn Malnar, superintendent of Hudson Area Schools

Region 9 presented its award to Steve Hyer. Steve Hyer is the School Board president at Clarkton Public Schools, where he won recognition for his commitment to the Clarkston Community Schools district as a board member, mentor, and advocate for education. "Steve Hyer takes his role very seriously, and we are proud to announce him as our region's Champion for Children."
–MASA Region 9 president, Richard Repicky .

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.