Leonard Elementary Principal Suzanne Hannant was honored this past weekend as a 2004 Literacy and Educator Award Recipient by the Michigan Reading Association.
Hannant was chosen for this year’s Administrator Award from several nominees from across the state for her leadership in the field of reading. Her biography in the awards brochure describes her as “a non-stop, can-do, determined administrator who has always focused on the importance of reading and writing as the most powerful skills leading to student success.”
Hannant began working with Oxford Schools in 1980, and became principal at Leonard Elementary in 1998. She holds a bachelor of arts in special education from Central Michigan University, a master of arts in learning disabilities from Oakland University and an educational specialist in elementary leadership from Wayne State.
“My first thought when I found out I was selected was ‘Oh my,’” remembers Hannant. “To be recognized for what I do with the kids, I thought that was amazing.”
Hannant never expected to be awarded this honor. In fact, she originally wanted to nominated Kathy Schafnitz, but had the “doors turned on her” when Schafnitz, Oxford Elementary Principal Debbie Stout, Oakland Schools Consultant Bill Devers and Oxford Schools Communications Director Edie Paradowski nominated her.
The one achievement that truly makes Hannant “a strong role model to move forward with district goals for improving literacy” was her involvement with the district’s LAP Grant. Hannant co-authored and obtained the Early Intervention in Reading Grant for the district three years ago. The grant developed a research-based reading program currently being utilized by all of Oxford’s elementaries.
Over the past three years, Hannant has expanded the program to include grades three to five and developed a new “After School Academy” to support teachers and help transform the district’s literacy practices. She was also integral with rewriting the district’s elementary language arts curriculum.
“There are so many people actively involved in reading in the state of Michigan and striving so hard to build a strong foundation for our children,” said Hannant. “I had no idea at all I would receive this honor.”
The Michigan Reading Association held an awards ceremony on March 21 at the Cobo Center. Oxford Schools Superintendent Virginia Brennan-Kyro and several of the district’s elementary principals attended the event.
“To me this is a symbol for the district of our teamwork,” said Hannant. “I think there’s a lot of great people who could also be recognized for this work. This is a true testimony of our ability to work together and to be recognized for our programs and developments toward helping our kids read.”