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Photo by Michigan Lottery.
LUDINGTON — Ludington Elementary School first-grade teacher Sarah Kaminski has received an Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery.
Kaminski was selected for the weekly award, which includes a $2,000 cash prize. She will also be eligible for the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award at the end of the school year. The statewide winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state.
Kaminski, who has been an educator for 18 years, has spent the past 13 years in her current position with Ludington Area School District.
She said she knew from an early age that she wanted to become a teacher.
“Ever since I was in first grade I wanted to be a teacher,” Kaminski said. “I liked all the learning moments my own teacher made with connections to the outside world.
“My class is like a little family with lots of celebrations of milestones and every day we cheer on someone who is reaching their individual goals. I love the growth that first graders make. It’s such an amazing experience to watch them grow so much from the beginning to the end of the year.”
Kaminski was nominated for the award by the parent of a student.
The parent described Kaminski’s classroom as a place where children feel included, valued and celebrated. The nomination highlighted her use of games, classroom activities and a student reward store to engage students and build a sense of community.
“What sets Mrs. Kaminski apart is not only what she does, but why she does it,” the nominator wrote. “She treats every student as if they were her own and consistently goes far above what is required of her role.”
The nomination also credited Kaminski with supporting the school community outside her classroom and helping students with both academic and emotional needs.
Kaminski earned a bachelor’s degree from Salisbury University and a master’s degree from Marygrove College. She also served in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard.
Excellence in Education nominees are evaluated on excellence, dedication, inspiration, leadership and effectiveness.
Kaminski will also be featured in a news segment distributed through the Michigan Lottery’s television media partners.
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