BY JESSICA STEELEY
Clarkston News Staff Writer

Raucous applause followed Bruce Mercado’s announcement, “On behalf of the Clarkston Foundation and the Teacher of the Year Committee, I am honored to announce the 2017 Teacher of the Year, Michael Lewis!”
Lewis is Clarkston High School’s band director and has been teaching in this district since 1995. He is Clarkston’s 24th Teacher of the Year Award winner, presented by Clarkston Foundation last week, and received a lease on the vehicle of his choice from The Suburban Collection.
“This has definitely been a very humbling situation, going through this process. I’m sure a lot of the teachers here today with me would agree we just enjoy coming in and doing what we do every day,” Lewis said. “Even if we never got any recognition for this, we would be just as happy and be thrilled with our careers so far and everything that they affect, because the students we get a chance to work with are just outstanding individuals and we just love being here, so thank you very much.”
The event was attended by several members of the Clarkston Foundation and Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education, as well as past teacher of the year winners.
One of the first speakers was 2016 Teacher of the Year Meredith Copland, who congratulated all the nominees and imparted how deserving each is of such a wonderful recognition.
“I remember sitting in this very room one year ago today and feeling so honored and humbled to be surrounded by the very educators I have admired throughout all of my teaching career and who have inspired me and taught me so much. It’s an overwhelming and incredible feeling, so take time to enjoy it and all that it means to you,” Copland said.
Superintendent Rod Rock conveyed his awe of Clarkston’s exceptional teachers and their motivation to teach students at such diverse levels.
“I read a lot of books about education and what it means to be a good teacher. I’m pretty much convinced lately I should stop reading books and you should write them,” Rock said. “We should write them and tell stories about what great teaching looks like and what great communities do, because that’s what’s unique about Clarkston.”
While recognizing finalists, Clarkston High School Principal Gary Kaul commended Lewis for being a constant professional and for all he does around the high school.
“Subject area coordinator, department chair, and, to me, he’s been a confidant, somebody I can go to and seek input when we have big decisions to make around the school,” Kaul said of Lewis. “He’s a true program leader and advocate for his students, he’s a team player who defers the spotlight to others, he is highly organized and professional, he has the amazing ability to understand individual students’ strengths and how to piece them together as an ensemble.”

  clarkston schools, michael lewis