Michigan City Area Schools announces 2026 Teacher and Employee of the Year building finalists
Michigan City Area Schools is proud to announce the building-level finalists for its annual Teacher and Employee of the Year recognition program. Each year, this program provides an opportunity for students, families, staff, and community members to recognize the exceptional educators and support staff who make a meaningful difference across our schools and throughout the City.
This fall, MCAS received more than 500 nominations submitted by the community. All nominees continue to reflect the heart of our district and the positive influence our schools have on Michigan City.
These outstanding individuals are now in the running for the district-wide MCAS Teacher and Employee of the Year awards, which will be announced in April.
Elementary Teacher of the Year:
* Dawn Haines (Kindergarten Teacher at Coolspring Elementary)
* Melissa Halfmann (5th Grade Teacher at Knapp Elementary)
* Michelle Hamilton (Physical Education Teacher at Marsh Elementary)
* Cindy LoGreco (3rd Grade Teacher at Lake Elementary)
* Paige Oberholtzer (4th Grade Teacher at Joy Elementary)
* Sean Rathbun (Special Education Teacher at Pine Elementary)
* Lexi Ricketts (2nd Grade Teacher at Springfield Elementary)
* Michelle Sickles (3rd Grade Teacher at Edgewood Elementary)
Secondary Teacher of the Year:
* Shirley Allen (Choir Teacher at Krueger Middle School)
* James Deuberry (S.C.A.L.E. Teacher at Elston Non-Traditional Programs)
* Ashley Koza (Spanish Teacher at Michigan City High School)
* Veroniqca Kozel (Health Occupations Instructor at La Porte County Career and Technical Education Center)
* Jocelyn McCray (Math Teacher at Barker Middle School)
Support Staff Employee of the Year:
* Ayanna Herbert (Paraprofessional at Knapp Elementary)
* Amy Maesch (Administrative Assistant at Marsh Elementary)
* Shelly Malott (District Library/Media Assistant at Springfield Elementary)
* Kristen Ostermeier (Administrative Assistant at Edgewood Elementary)
* Natalie Patino (Administrative Assistant at Joy Elementary)
* Nora Rodriguez (Education Alternative Program Assistant at Coolspring Elementary)
* Aldora Rowley (Administrative Assistant at Lake Hills Elementary)
* Angelia Saulsberry (Paraprofessional at Michigan City High School)
* Karen Timm (Administrative Assistant at Pine Elementary)
Transportation Employee of the Year:
* Conaway Gray (Bus Monitor)
* Michelle Nichols-Broad (Bus Driver)
* Devin Roberts (Bus Driver)
* Alexis Vigil (Bus Driver)
* Dee Wilusz (Bus Driver)
Food Service Employee of the Year:
* Brooke Cisar (Food Service Tech 3 at Coolspring Elementary)
* Dalisha McCray (Food Service Tech 3 at Michigan City High School)
* Cassie Rebac (Manager at Michigan City High School)
* Jhana Sigmund (Food Service Tech 3 at Michigan City High School)
* Bailey Will (Food Service Tech 3 at Knapp)
To learn more about this recognition, please visit http://www.educateMC.net/TOY_EOY
