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Lake Michigan Credit Union Announces Winning Teachers of 2024 Roots in Education Grant
Grand Rapids, Mich. (May 09, 2024) – Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) is proud to recognize the 2024 Roots in Education grant recipients. Each year, this program welcomes nominations of teachers across Michigan and Florida who embody a specific trait. This year, the program celebrated teachers who are known for their optimism.
Active pre-K through 12th grade classroom teachers in Michigan and Florida were nominated for the Roots in Education grant by students, parents, fellow teachers or peers, community members, and administrators. Of the nominees, 25 winners have each been awarded a $1,000 grant. The grant can be used to purchase classroom supplies, certifications, or anything else that benefits the educational process.
While each and every nominated teacher demonstrated excellent qualities deserving of a grant, the 25 grant recipients are:
Emily Adamczyk | Oriole Park Elementary | Wyoming, MI
Kara Alber | Kent City Middle School | Kent City, MI
Leslie Baugh | Scarlett Middle School | Ann Arbor, MI
Tiffany Bienkowski | Community Christian School | Saint Petersburg, FL
Cindy Biller | Coopersville South Elementary | Coopersville, MI
Chandra Brown | Renaissance High School | Detroit, MI
Rachel Chapman | Jenison Junior High School | Jenison, MI
Amy Clement | Kenowa Hills High School | Grand Rapids, MI
Zac Ford |CA Frost Environmental Middle High School | Grand Rapids, MI
Beth Gaede-Rodgers | Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy | Saginaw, MI
Kate Galla | Mattawan High School | Mattawan, MI
Liza Hain | Grand Rapids Montessori Public School | Grand Rapids, MI
Andrea Jordan | Grand Rapids Christian Elementary School | Grand Rapids, MI
Sarah Kacprzyk | Cedar Trails Elementary | Cedar Springs, MI
Alyssa Nauta | Central Elementary, Reeths-Puffer Schools | Muskegon, MI
Kim Palms | Parchment Northwood Elementary | Kalamazoo, MI
Tobi Pawson | Adventist Christian Academy – Golden Gate| New Port Richey, FL
Analiz Perez | Fun Time Early Childhood Academy | Naples, FL
Mary Polk | Stepping Stones Montessori School | Grand Rapids, MI
Rachel Potter | Innocademy | Zeeland, MI
Emily Raap | Orchard View Elementary School | Grand Rapids, MI
Chelsea Seals | The Children’s House | Traverse City, MI
Darien Stimley | Hudsonville High School | Hudsonville, MI
Heidi Strand | Charlotte Harbor School | Punta Gorda, FL
Kristy Templar | Crossroads Middle School Northview Public | Grand Rapids, MI
LMCU Vice President of Community Relations, Matt Cook, extends his congratulations to the 2024 Roots in Education grant winners.
“The impact these optimistic teachers have on the lives of their students cannot be understated,” Cook said. “Every year, we are just blown away with the dedication the nominees have in such a demanding profession. It really is amazing. We are thrilled to be able to award these teachers and looking forward to how they will use the grant in a way that further strengthens their opportunity to educate. Thank you to every teacher nominated, and those who took the time to recognize their excellence.”
For more information on LMCU’s Roots in Education grant, visit LMCU.org/TeacherGrant.
Lake Michigan Credit Union, established in 1933, is the largest credit union in Michigan and 16th largest in the country. Employing a staff of over 1,650 and serving nearly 600,000 members, LMCU’s assets exceed $13 billion, with over $16 billion in portfolio and serviced mortgages. LMCU has 70 convenient branch locations, including 21 across the Tampa Bay area and Southwest Florida. LMCU members have access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs worldwide. LMCU provides a full range of financial services, from high interest-bearing checking accounts to personal loans, mortgages, business banking, investments, and insurance.
To find out more, visit LMCU.org. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #442967.