Kathy McMinn thought she was just attending a holiday-themed assembly at Paint Creek Elementary School in December, but instead she was surprised to learn she had been named the Lake Orion Community Schools Elementary School Teacher of the Year.
‘I couldn’t be more surprised,? McMinn said, as her family joined her on stage for the special event. Principal Bev Tepper said McMinn, a learning resource center teacher at Paint Creek working with special needs students, was her ‘right hand.?
McMinn serves as acting teacher in charge in Tepper’s absence, and also co-chairs the school improvement team. She was nominated to the Lake Orion Schools Board of Education for the award by a parent.
McMinn grew up in Lake Orion, attended Lake Orion Schools and has been teaching here for 29 years, four of them at Paint Creek.
‘The children, I love, like they were my own,? she said.
The Paint Creek Student Council also used the assembly to present a check for $1,000 to the Lake Orion Lions Club, money they raised from candy gram sales to help the Lions purchase winter items like socks and blankets for those in need.
The ‘Warm Hands, Warm Hearts? program at the school also brought in donated clothing. The school’s Star Wishes Giving Tree was able to help 55 individuals this holiday season.