Awards & Recognition

The Senior Adult Extraordinaire Award recognizes, promotes, and encourages the volunteer efforts of senior citizens in Farmington Public Schools. The honored senior citizen (age 60 and above) must volunteer in the District and contribute to the overall educational process. 

2025-2026 Senior Extraordinaire Award Winner Howard Welsh

 

Past Winners
2024-2025 - Megan Saunders
2023-2024 - Tom and Cathy Neal 
2022-2023 - Roxanne Fitzpatrick
2021-2022 - Due to COVID-19 the Awards were cancelled and no winner was selected.
2020-2021 - Due to COVID-19 the Awards were cancelled and no winner was selected.
2019-2020 - Martha Maitlen
2018-2019 - Loretta Keller
2017-2018 - John Weigel & Betty Bemis
2016-2017 - Lorice Khoury
2015-2016 - Dianne Long and Bob Long
2014-2015 - Nancy Waldman and Ray Okonski
2013-2014 - Marge Whittemore
2012-2013 - Nancy Leflar
2011-2012 - Michael Liebowitz
2010-2011 - Diane DeSousa
2009-2010 - Allan Whittemore
2008-2009 - Virginia Starr
2007-2008 - Lincoln Avery
2006-2007 - Leona Goetzke
2005-2006 - Demetra Mehas, Tina Mehas and Toula Mehas

Teachers of the Year

Each year, Farmington Public Schools recognizes exceptional educators at the elementary, middle, and high school levels as our District Teachers of the Year. Nominations are submitted to the Human Resources Department, then reviewed by a selection committee made up of administrators, past award recipients, and the Director of Human Resources. District honorees may also advance to represent FPS in the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher Awards through Oakland Schools.

Thanks to the generosity of the Suburban Collection, one of our Teachers of the Year is randomly selected each year to receive a two-year vehicle lease of their choice.

2025-2026
Terri Haas - Farmington Central High School
Regina Szymczak - Power Middle School
Cassaundra Hack - Wood Creek Elementary School
Diane Kawesa - Farmington Early Childhood Center 

2024-2025
Joseph Lazzarino - Farmington High School
Susan Kim - Power Middle School
Laura Orlowski, Beechview Elementary School
Lara Ligerakis - Farmington Early Childhood Center

2023-2024
Kirsten Gentry - Farmington High School
Cheryl Dalton - Warner Middle School
Geralyn Schade - Gill Elementary School

2022-2023
Michael Bause * - North Farmington High School
Kevin Burr - East Middle School
Angelina Lowe - Lanigan Elementary School

2021-2022
Michele Laramie - Power Middle School

2020-2021 Due to COVID-19 the FPS Teachers of the Year Awards were cancelled and no winners selected.

2019-2020
Jackie Pinter - Forest Elementary School
Ryan Baker - Power Middle School
Nicole Lane - North Farmington High School

2018-2019
Nancie Jahshan - Lanigan Elementary School
Keichea Shauntee-Wilson - Power Middle School
Mary Sheltrown - Farmington High School

2017-2018
Stephanie Strunk - Gill Elementary School
Christina Fifield - East Middle School
Kathryn Gustafson - Farmington High School

2016-2017
Melissa Doepker - Lanigan Elementary 
Vitas Underys - Power Middle 
Janet Cadeau - Farmington High School

2015-2016
Elizabeth Hatfield-Walsh - Gill Elementary
Cheryl Newcomer* - Power Upper Elementary
Martha Mathison-Monson - Dunckel Middle
Patricia Torres - Harrison High

2014-2015
Doreen Swift - Power Upper Elementary
Whitney Tyner - East Middle
Steve Dail - Harrison High

2013-2014
Kate Donnelly-Harris - Gill Elementary
Shawn Kassab - Warner Upper Elementary
Marc Szalka - Dunckel Middle
Lisa Dean - Harrison High

2012-2013
Nancy Dillon - Hillside Elementary
Erin Young - Power Upper Elementary
Debbie Calanchi - East Middle
Todd Hecker - North Farmington High

2011-2012
Christie Sabon - Hillside Elementary
David Hebert - Power Upper Elementary
Julie Stahr - Dunckel Middle
Kimmi Dukes - Harrison High

2010-2011
Bobbie Blazo* - Beechview Elementary
Jon Vondrasek - Dunckel Middle
Kevin Miesner - Harrison High

2009-2010
Linda Lelek - Lanigan Elementary
Jennifer Franklin - East Middle
Kevin Ozar* - North Farmington High

2008-2009
Teri Bailey* - Beechview Elementary
Tera Shamey - Warner Middle
Deb Warner - Farmington High

2007-2008
Kathrine Olenczuk* - Kenbrook Elementary
Tami Barringer - Warner Middle
Kathleen Maisner* - North Farmington High

2006-2007
Rose Boyle - Flanders Elementary
Arlene Johnson - East Middle
Carol Kuenzel - North Farmington High

2005-2006
Melissa McDermid*- Kenbrook Elementary
Eric Hammar - Power Middle
Angela Leach - Harrison High

2004-2005
Tess Kelly* - Highmeadow Common Campus
Marie Smerigan - East Middle
David Hendershop - Farmington High

2003-2004
Nancy Keegan - Forest Elementary
Jerry Morrissey - Dunckel Middle
Mike Horner* - North Farmington High

2002-2003
Diane Hanaway - Wood Creek Elementary
Tom Seremet - Warner Middle
Paula Rohn* - Farmington High

2001-2002   
Rita Adams* - Beechview Elementary
Mary Leyman - Warner Middle
Virginia Lambert - North Farmington High

2000-2001
Bridget Livorine - Kenbrook Elementary        
Kathleen Seremet - Dunckel Middle
Bruce Brown - Farmington High

1999-2000
Vitas Underys - William Grace Elementary
Mary Ellen Thompson - East Middle
Susan Schultz - Harrison High

1998-1999
Mark Morawski - Hillside Elementary
Steven Koponen - Dunckel Middle
Eleanor Case - Harrison High

1997-1998
Retta London* - Wooddale Elementary
James Ragland - Power Middle
Laura Sparrow* - Harrison High

1996-1997
Dodie Harris* - Hillside Elementary
Karen Green - Power Middle
Carl Gippert - North Farmington

1995-1996
Pamela Ellis (Green)* - Flanders Elementary
Dyanne Sanders - Warner Middle
Kevin Kansman - Farmington High

1994-1995
David Hales - Hillside Elementary
Darlene Egbert-Oliver - East Middle
Sandra Elling - Cloverdale

1993-1994
Rebecca Waters* - Wood Creek Elementary
Dale Green* - Power Middle
William Harman - Harrison High

1992-1993
Barbara Aprahamian* - Eagle Elementary
Richard Cardeccia - Power Middle
Katherine Nyberg* - Harrison High

1991-1992
Harvey Goldstein - Highmeadow Common Campus
James Seavitt* - Power Middle
John Klenczar - Farmington High

1990-1991
Linda Perkins - Wood Creek Elementary
Linda Regan - Power Middle
Mary Brown - Harrison High

1989-1990
Geraldine Hinzman - Larkshire Elementary
Bette Buckler - Warner Middle
Beverly Schmitt* - North Farmington High

1988-1989
Sue Patee - Forest Elementary
Maurice Wildt - Dunckel Middle
Maria Aratari - Farmington High

*Oakland County Teacher of the Year Recipient

Support Person of the Year

The following individuals have been honored for the support services they provide to Farmington Public Schools. The annual award is presented to exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled members who are employed within one of the following areas: transportation, maintenance, custodial, office personnel, food services, or professional support to teachers.

2025-2026
Dara Weber, Special Education Paraprofessional, Visions Unlimited

2024-2025
Deb King, Maxfield Education Center

2023-2024
Sarah Kerns, Office Clerk, Farmington Early Childhood Center

2022-2023
Pamela Wasko, Office Clerk, Gill Elementary

2021-2022
Janet McCormick, Secretary, Beechview Elementary

2020-2021
Due to COVID-19, the FPS Support Person of the Year Award was cancelled and no winner selected.

2019-2020
Meenakshi Rajachudamani, Paraprofessional, Hillside Elementary

2018-2019
Patricia Zimmerman, Administrative Assistant, Visions Unlimited

2017-2018
Teresa Barrick, Homeless Liason Assistant, Maxfield Education Center

2016-2017
Patricia Teeples, Paraprofessional, Alameda Early Childhood

2015-2016
Susan Groenenboom, Media Aide, Harrison High School

2014-2015
Melissa Bartram, Secretary, East Middle School

2013-2014
Tracey Connolly, Paraprofessional, Alameda Early Childhood

2012-2013
Yoshiko Gingerich, Bilingual Paraprofessional, District

2011-2012
Donna Reuter, Student Information Technician, Maxfield Education Center

2010-2011
Roxanne Mecham, Bilingual Paraprofessional, Farmington High School

2009-2010
Anna King*, Custodian, William Grace Elementary

2008-2009
Mark Terry*, Head Custodian, Gill Elementary

2007-2008
Cheryl Berling, Secretary, North Farmington High School

2006-2007
Laura Rickert, Secretary, Harrison High School

2005-2006
Mary Perkins, Cafeteria Manager/Bus Aide, Flanders Elementary

2004-2005
Sue Mabry*, Head Custodian, Alameda Early Childhood

2003-2004
Sue Zdyrski*, Secretary, Dunckel Middle School

2002-2003
Doug Riddell, Skilled Maintenance, Maintenance & Operations

2001-2002
Terry Schneider*, Paraprofessional, Alameda Early Childhood

2000-2001
Lauren Okopny, Secretary, Flanders Elementary

1999-2000
Judi Moran, Paraprofessional, Hillside Elementary

1998-1999
Jim Pearse*, Asst. Head Custodian, Warner Middle School

1997-1998
Sandra McKelley, Bookkeeper, Central Office

1996-1997
Dolly Jablonski, Paraprofessional, Farmington High Skills Center

1995-1996
Dorothy Carpenter, Secretary, Highmeadow Common Campus

1994-1995
Helen Rebh*, Custodian, East Middle School

1993-1994
Mary Jo Williams*, Teacher Paraprofessional, Eagle Elementary

1992-1993
Beverly Haack, Cooking Manager, North Farmington High

1991-1992
Jean Belding, Paraprofessional, Cloverdale

1990-1991
Constance Conn, Secretary, Gill Elementary

1989-1990
Raymond Wyss*, Head Custodian, Longacre Elementary

 

*Oakland County Distinguished Support Staff Recipient

A Voice for Children - Keeping the Torch Ignited

The Legacy Begins

Judy White-Ora's professional career began in the Ypsilanti Public School District. As an elementary classroom teacher, Judy was an educator who taught from the heart. She was passionate about making a difference in the life of every student. Judy refused to make judgments about the value of a child based on what was assessed as "normal." She recognized the unique gifts in each child and learned to help them discover their talents and potential.

Fostering the Passion

Innately an educator, Judy White-Ora considered life to be her classroom. Passionate to share the lessons she was learning about educational best practice, she became the Director of Curriculum for Ypsilanti Public Schools. In the mid 1980's she joined the Farmington Public School District as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Staff Development. As a leader, she mentored and modeled teaching with passion, heart and soul. She inspired others to pursue leadership positions. Judy White-Ora was steadfast in her beliefs about what was best for children, never afraid to live her convictions, doing all she could to help each and every child succeed.

An Educator with Heart and Soul

On January 9, 2006, all educators lost a true soul mate. Judy White-Ora, retired assistant superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Farmington Public Schools, died of cancer. Judy was one of Michigan's first female educational administrators and for over thirty years a prominent figure in Michigan's educational community. During her career, she worked side by side with former State Superintendent Michael Flanagan, when he served as the superintendent of Farmington Public Schools.

A Seed is Planted

A high school counselor once told Judy not to apply to college because she wasn't collegiate material. Later in life Judy took a copy of her assistant superintendent's paycheck and proudly displayed it to that counselor. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI. Judy completed advanced course work in Educational Administration at Michigan State University.

Living the Passion

During her tenure as the assistant superintendent of Farmington Public Schools she supervised more than 1000 educators. She devoted much of her energy to improving education and demonstrating best practice. Judy White-Ora proudly created and opened the Highmeadow Common Campus, a model of best practices in education. She began Farmington's first Leadership Academy for aspiring leaders and administrators. She was a founder of the Galileo Teacher Leadership Academy to promote best practice and instructional leadership for classroom teachers. Those who had the privilege of working with her knew she had a sense of possibility, toughness and duty to serve others. Always a believer in collaboration and problem solving, Judy helped negotiate agreements using a collaborative bargaining process. This process influenced the formation of Farmington's "Three Pillars", which is a collaboration of the association leaders, district administrators and Board of Education. Following her retirement, Judy continued consulting and leading professional development with the Michigan Education Association and school district staff.

A Bend in the Journey

Judy White-Ora believed in investing in people and relationships. She was a dedicated and loving mother. She raised ten children. Her thirty-five years in education ended with a relationship of her own. On October 1, 2005 Judy radiated with joy as she married Richard Ora. In November 2005, she discovered metastasized breast cancer that invaded her spinal cord and subsequently her brain. The shock of three months left to live did not squelch her indomitable spirit. She used her limited time to meet with friends and colleagues to discuss the importance of helping students achieve. Continuing to live by example, she emphasized the importance of never giving up.

Keeping the Dream Alive

Following her death, educators were not alone in sharing memories of Judy White-Ora. Her legacy is far reaching and leaves an unsurpassed imprint on education in the state of Michigan. During her career, Judy broke a lot of glass ceilings and turned obstacles into opportunities. She loved educators and she loved serving them. Judy believed in making a difference in the lives of every child and did so with passion and humor. The educators whose lives she touched want to celebrate her life and recognize the numerous contributions she made to education. Being the great designer of the scaffolding that creates great educators, Judy White-Ora wrote a pledge from the lessons she learned at each destination in her life's journey. It was her mission and dream to have every educator sign this pledge. Judy's death rekindles the words of John F. Kennedy, "the torch has been passed to a new generation" of educators. Educators across the state have picked up the torch ignited by Judy White's passion. We are asking every educator to sign this pledge, honoring her legacy, making a positive difference in the life of every child. Please join us as we keep Judy's dream alive by signing the pledge, displaying it in your room and sharing it with other educators. Judy's ultimate goal was to receive one million signatures from educators around the world.

The Pledge

Today I will:

• Respect the uniqueness of each child
• Ignite the joy of learning
• Listen to their voices
• Put human connections first
• Encourage the spirit and let their light shine
• Create a caring learning community

I will join my colleagues across the world to make our schools safe places where each child can flourish.

Download the Pledge

---

Past Recipients

Kate Donnelly-Harris, Gill Elementary School - 2025 (co-winner)
Wendy Marshick, North Farmington High School - 2025 (co-winner)
Jeffrey Rehbine, Farmington STEAM Academy - 2024
Kimmi Dukes, Farmington High School - 2023
Carol McGorisk, Longacre Elementary School - 2022
Kyle Curtis, Wood Creek Elementary School - 2021
Due to COVID-19 the Judy White-Ora Teaching with Heart and Soul Award was cancelled and no winner selected for 2020
Kathy Koperski, Warner Middle School - 2019
Greg Drozdowski, North Farmington High School & Kim Zell, Wood Creek Elementary School - 2018
MaryBeth Sikora, Power Middle School - 2017
Julie Folkert, Dunckel Middle School - 2016
Patricia Pomaranski, Highmeadow Common Campus - 2015
Elyse Jahnke, Warner Upper Elementary School - 2014
Nancy Morris, Hillside Elementary School - 2013
Hatty Ligon, Warner Upper Elementary School - 2012 (co-winner)
Ann Marie Robinson, Hillside Elementary School - 2012 (co-winner)
Nikki Schueller, North Farmington High School - 2011
Pamela Gutierrez, Power Middle School - 2010
Maria Blanco, Gill Elementary - 2009
Vitas Underys - 2008
Marian Orihel - 2007

The FPS Awards of Excellence, which started as the Superintendent's Awards of Excellence in the 1992-1993 school year, recognize students who have exhibited outstanding academic achievement, exemplary citizenship, and exceptional involvement in school activities.

Students are selected by a building committee, as determined at each school. At the high school level, four students are selected per school - one from each grade. Farmington Central High School may select two students. At the middle school level, three 8th-grade students are selected per school. 

Criteria

• Academics - Academic excellence for the current year’s three marking periods
• Good citizenship
• Extracurricular school involvement
• Additional criteria may be established by the building committee

*Students may be selected once in middle school and once in high school.

The Farmington Public Schools' Rise and Thrive Award was created in 2011 to honor students who have made changes in their lives for the better. The major sponsors of this program are the Farmington Observer Newspaper, the Farmington Public Safety Department, the Farmington Hills Police Department, and Farmington Public Schools, along with generous support from numerous community sponsors.

Each year, four students from each middle school, four students from each high school, and two students from our alternative high school are selected by their schools for this honor.

Students are honored at a luncheon each year where they are recognized in front of their parents for turning their lives around.  Each year, an inspirational speaker presents at the luncheon.