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.

• Tim Zimmerman- Region 1
• Richard deVore- Region 2
• Cyndi Blair- Region 3
• Margaret Ann Riecker (Ranny) - Region 4
• John Antilla- Region 5
• Narda Murphy- Region 6
• Charles Moden- Region 7
• Alice Ferguson- Region 9

Region 1
Tim Zimmerman, Counselor at Delta-Schoolcraft  Intermediate School District
Tim Zimmerman won recognition for his tireless work for and with children to help them be successful both personally and professionally. He has held the roles of counselor, placement director, special population coordinator, as well as willingly taking on other responsibilities over the past 30 years. He is a true team player, always willing to help and meet with children at any time to coach, mentor, advise or just listen. He is an advocate for the Career Tech students in Delta, Schoolcraft, and Menominee counties; and has also been instrumental working with area business and industry, maintaining connections, relationships, and providing avenues for student training and development. “He continues to give selflessly of his time and efforts,” said nominator and Delta-Schoolcraft CTE Director Charles F. Guay.  

Region 2
Richard deVore, President of the Board of Trustees of the Inland Lakes Educational Foundation
Richard deVore won recognition for his instrumental role in creating the Inland Lake Educational Foundation, which provides scholarships for graduates of Inland Lakes Schools. Mr. deVore has led the fundraising and ILEF board meeting for the last 20 years. The ILEF reached its goal to raise an  endowment of one million dollars (plus) in its 20th year. “In this small economically stressed community, the scholarships are a Godsend to the students and the ILEF are able to proved approximately $45,000 worth of scholarships each year,” said said nominator and Inland Lakes Superintendent Mary Jo Dismang.

Region 3
Cyndi Blair, Lead Nurse RN-C at the Community Mental Health Center in Muskegon
Cyndi Blair won recognition for her creation of a support group for students with special needs. Blair started "No More Sidelines," originally for her special needs daughter so she could participate with sporting venues with other students with special needs. The group began with a handful of students and volunteers, and now serves nearly 200 students and families. “Individuals and organizations volunteer time and resources to provide these special kids with experiences that without this organization they might never have enjoyed,” said nominator and   Reeths-Puffer Superintendent Steve Cousins said. “No person associated with NMS is compensated outside of the joy that results from taking part in bettering someone's life.”
 
Region 4
Margaret Ann Riecker (Ranny), President of the Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow Foundation
Margaret Ann Riecker (Ranny) won recognition for her part in making possible countless investments and initiatives that have resulted in greater opportunities for children and learners of all ages. These initiatives include the establishment of prenatal and postnatal programs, all strategically supported to help all children have the best and healthiest start in life. “Ranny Rieker personifies a life as a champion for children,” said Region 4 president, and St. Charles superintendent Michael Wallace.
Nominators also pointed to her role as a relentless advocate and investor in Early Childhood Education. Ranny has championed the Elementary age child and has the gift to combine her skilled leadership with the compassion of someone committed to the common good of all people, with a special emphasis on those most in need.
“Ranny has a balanced respect for the quality of and necessity for a diverse society of learners,” Wallace said, “She is vocal and determined in her representation of those who face challenges in school, at home and in our communities.”

Region 5
John Antilla, Board Treasurer for Capac Community Schools
John Antilla won recognition for his work on behalf of the Capac High School Robotics Team. A board member at Capac Community Schools, Antilla was the catalyst behind the formation of this outstanding program. He initiated the team by recruiting team members and a faculty coach, fundraising to secure start-up funds, and serving as a mentor and technical advisor to the young people involved. This opportunity has led students to participate in six FIRST Robotics events and to travel to Atlanta to participate in the FIRST Robotics World Championships. With Antilla’s help, the team has raised almost $40,000 to support the program in its first 2 years. “John’s dedication, leadership, support and time has touched all of the students involved in Capac High School's Robotics Team,” said nominator and Capac Superintendent Jerry Jennex.  “John has truly been a ‘Champion for Children’ in Capac High School.”

Region 6
Narda K. Murphy, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction at Williamston Community Schools
Narda K. Murphy won recognition for her untiring dedication to ensure success for all children, Narda works well both internally with Williamston's staff and externally in the county and mid-Michigan area. “Narda is on the cutting edge, whether it is creating opportunities for career development, leading the charge for district-wide initiatives or working with individual administrators and teachers to help them reach students,” said nominator and Williamston Superintendent Joel Raddatz. “Narda has always gone out of her way to ensure that the students of Williamston are successful.”

Region 7
Charles Moden, President of the Alumni Board of Directors at Lawrence Public Schools
Charles Moden won recognition for his dedication to the community of Lawrence, Lawrence Schools, and its students.  For 15 years, Moden has volunteered to be the official scorer for home and away games of the boys' football & basketball terams and for the girls' basketball & softball teams. Moden remains involved with the Lawrence Alumni, and organizes the yearly alumni banquet and the scholarships the organization provides. Moden is also an active member of the Legion and the VFW, which also provide scholarships and projects for students. “Charles Moden has dedicated his life to the community of Lawrence,” said Lawrence Superintendent John Overley, who nominated Moden for the award. "He volunteers countless hours to help the school and our students. He is very deserving of this honor.”

Region 9
Alice Ferguson, Secretary for the Huron Schools Board of Education
Alice Ferguson won recognition for over 45 years of dedication to serving children, by driving a district school bus for 30 years and for serving on the Board of Education since 1995. “Alice is a strong and credible advocate for all students in the community regardless of their skills, talents, gifts, or disability,” said nominator and Huron Superintendent Rick Naughton. “Alice has provided stable, consistent care and involvement in education for her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She has also set high expectations for and has built positive relationships with all the children who rode her bus each day.” Ferguson regularly volunteers in classrooms and special programs and attends as many student activities as possible. She strongly believes that students need multiple opportunities to excel in and out of the classroom, and has played an instrumental role in the district's strategic planning process. "Alice is a champion in spirit, word, and deed,” Nuaghton said. She has accompished this task by believing in one simple phrase: 'Completely Committed to Kids.’”

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.