Meredith Copland, Clarkston Teacher of the Year for 2016, is congratulated by her husband Scot Copland and their daughter Mia. Photo by Phil Custodio

Clarkston Foundation’s 2016 Teacher of the Year is Meredith Copland, Bailey Lake Elementary teacher.
“I’m just so honored,” Copland said at the awards reception, May 25, at Clarkston Community Schools administration building. “Just to be here with all these amazing educators – it’s been an unbelievable experience.”
The Foundation rotates grade levels for the annual award. This year was elementary teachers’ turn, said Mike Page, Foundation member and emcee.
Twelve teachers were nominated by teachers, administrators, and parents, and six were selected as finalists, Page said.
“Every one is phenomenally talented,” he said. “I’m proud of all 12 of the teachers.”
Finalists also included Nathan Fuller of Clarkston Elementary, Stacey Sielinski of Independence Elementary, Abigail St. Aubin of North Sashabaw Elementary, Erin Hill of Springfield Plains Elementary, and Heidi Kroll of Springfield Plains.
Also nominated were Carol Barber, Mary Divito, Kristen Gretka, Michelle Herkowitz, Kiryn Petruska, and Kelly Willard.
The Suburban Collection provides free use of a car to the winner of the award for a year, which is much appreciated by teachers, said state Rep. Jim Tedder, guest speaker.
“This is certainly one of the most covented awards for teachers – there are none more prestigious than this award today,” Tedder said. “You are all are strong embodiments of the teaching profession.”