As the school year draws to a close, help us celebrate our fifteen 2026 Retirees, who achieved a combined 307 years of service at North Ed.
Today, we honor Monique Mansfield for her 31 years of service as an Occupational Therapist.
Monique is a valued mentor and trusted colleague, highly respected by her peers and local school programs. Her visionary insight, paired with a tireless passion for service, has been a constant inspiration and is deeply valued by her team. She has a progressive mindset, always keeping the work moving forward to shape new concepts for curriculum integration. Monique is known as a careful listener, a master problem solver and supporter. School families value and treasure her work with the child-centered nature of her practice. She is admired for her depth of knowledge and dedication as a North Ed teammate, and we honor her many years of service.
As the school year draws to a close, help us celebrate our fifteen 2026 Retirees, who achieved a combined 307 years of service at North Ed.
Today, we honor Elizabeth (Lisa) Lyon for her 27 years of service as a Teacher Assistant.
Lisa combines a collaborative approach with a gentle and calm demeanor when working with students. Her contributions to student programming are consistent and positive, handily turning innovative strategies into student success stories. Her sincere care and support in the classroom will be missed.
Today, we honor Elizabeth (Lisa) Lyon for her 27 years of service as a Teacher Assistant.
Lisa combines a collaborative approach with a gentle and calm demeanor when working with students. Her contributions to student programming are consistent and positive, handily turning innovative strategies into student success stories. Her sincere care and support in the classroom will be missed.
Last night was a celebration of hard work and bright futures. At our annual North Ed Career Tech Awards Night, we witnessed the incredible impact of community support as over 100 students received scholarships and grants from our higher education and community partners.
A special thank you to the North Ed Foundation for awarding $52,750 in Tools of the Trade grants and $63,000 in academic scholarships. We are so grateful to the families, staff and supporters who champion our students every day. Congratulations to our driven graduates—we can't wait to see what you do in this next chapter!
A special thank you to the North Ed Foundation for awarding $52,750 in Tools of the Trade grants and $63,000 in academic scholarships. We are so grateful to the families, staff and supporters who champion our students every day. Congratulations to our driven graduates—we can't wait to see what you do in this next chapter!
We are entering the final weeks of the school year, and every day remains an important opportunity for our students. We have 9 days left to learn, connect, and grow together before the summer break. We look forward to seeing everyone in the classroom as we work toward a strong finish.
As the school year draws to a close, help us celebrate our fifteen 2026 Retirees, who achieved a combined 307 years of service at North Ed.
Today, we honor Lisa Kenny for her 12 years of service as a Teacher and Teacher Assistant.
Lisa has a special rapport with countless students and families. Her keen ability to lean into collaboration with all stakeholders has been a proven influence in supporting her team. Even when faced with challenging situations, Lisa delivers a steady approach to help others feel safe and comfortable. She has a wonderful practice of balancing play-based learning techniques with social and emotional learning, allowing a vehicle for growth and creating purposeful environments. Lisa’s humor and excellent classroom management skills will truly be missed.
Today, we honor Lisa Kenny for her 12 years of service as a Teacher and Teacher Assistant.
Lisa has a special rapport with countless students and families. Her keen ability to lean into collaboration with all stakeholders has been a proven influence in supporting her team. Even when faced with challenging situations, Lisa delivers a steady approach to help others feel safe and comfortable. She has a wonderful practice of balancing play-based learning techniques with social and emotional learning, allowing a vehicle for growth and creating purposeful environments. Lisa’s humor and excellent classroom management skills will truly be missed.
As the school year draws to a close, help us celebrate our fifteen 2026 Retirees, who achieved a combined 307 years of service at North Ed.
Today, we honor Britney Kellett for her 16 years of service as a Teacher Assistant.
Britney demonstrates a profound understanding of autism and commitment to supporting evidence-based practices. She puts students first by approaching every challenge with a gentle spirit and a kind heart. Britney is a valued collaborator and a well-respected team player. We appreciate her many contributions.
Today, we honor Britney Kellett for her 16 years of service as a Teacher Assistant.
Britney demonstrates a profound understanding of autism and commitment to supporting evidence-based practices. She puts students first by approaching every challenge with a gentle spirit and a kind heart. Britney is a valued collaborator and a well-respected team player. We appreciate her many contributions.
Last week, North Ed Career Tech Welding instructor Mark Stein and students Max Jones from TC Central High School, Hannah Batchelder and Summer Skiver from Benzie Central High School visited Ms. Leppien's 4th grade class at Cherry Knoll Elementary. Our students taught these 4th graders about welding and other opportunities at North Ed Career Tech. Thank you to this North Ed team for representing us and sharing your talents, and thank you Ms. Leppien for inviting us!
Learn more about our Welding program: https://www.northwested.org/o/ct/page/welding
This week, we had the pleasure of delivering goodie bags courtesy of TBA Credit Union to all of our 2026 Outstanding Educators! We look forward to celebrating these remarkable individuals at the annual Outstanding Educator Awards at City Opera House on June 3. Don’t forget to RSVP by May 29! Congratulations to all of our honorees!
See a full list of honorees at https://rebrand.ly/2026oea
As the school year draws to a close, help us celebrate our fifteen 2026 Retirees, who achieved a combined 307 years of service at North Ed.
Today, we honor Peggy Dohm for her 10 years of service as a Teacher Assistant.
Peggy is skilled at building student engagement and maintaining a steady classroom routine. Students respond exceptionally well to her kind approach, and everyone is grateful for the safe and positive learning environment she cultivates through her strong work ethic. Those around her appreciate her friendliness and ability to keep one step ahead in her planning and preparation, which guides student success. We are thankful for Peggy’s valuable time and dedication.
Today, we honor Peggy Dohm for her 10 years of service as a Teacher Assistant.
Peggy is skilled at building student engagement and maintaining a steady classroom routine. Students respond exceptionally well to her kind approach, and everyone is grateful for the safe and positive learning environment she cultivates through her strong work ethic. Those around her appreciate her friendliness and ability to keep one step ahead in her planning and preparation, which guides student success. We are thankful for Peggy’s valuable time and dedication.
Join the North Ed Career Tech Film & New Media students for the 3rd Annual Student Film Festival!
This free event at the Elk Rapids Cinema will showcase original short films created by talented high school filmmakers.
Doors open at 6:00 pm and showtime is 7:00 pm. Tickets are free, and popcorn and refreshments will be available for purchase.
June 11, 2026
Elk Rapids Cinema, 205 River St, Elk Rapids, MI 49629
For more information on the North Ed Career Tech Film and New Media program, visit https://www.northwested.org/o/ct/page/film-new-media
On Monday, we hosted representatives from Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) for a Signing Day, to celebrate approximately 70 students from 12 North Ed Career Tech programs signing articulation agreements. These future-focused students earned articulated credit by completing all course content with a B or better and recommendation by their instructor. Congratulations to our hardworking students, and thank you to NMC for your partnership and for joining us for this special occasion!
Last week, we hosted a signing day for our Agrisicence students who earned the Michigan FFA State Degree and in turn have earned 6 general education credits at Michigan State University (MSU). Thanks to Cristin Hosmer (Program Coordinator for the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology) who joined us for the signing day and recognized each of our students.
The State Degree is the second highest honor that can be awarded to students in the FFA Organization. North Ed FFA members worked tirelessly to meet the criteria to receive this high honor including; 350 hours or $2,000 in earnings in their SAE (Supervised Agriculture Experience) project, 25 hours of community service, attending five FFA competitions and/or events above the chapter level and also earning both the Greenhand and Chapter FFA Degrees. Help us congratulate the following students recognized at the 98th Michigan FFA State Convention in March during the Michigan FFA State Degree Award Ceremony:
Gretchen (Gee) Arnold, TC High School
Paige Brown, Grand Traverse Academy
Gavin Chile, Elk Rapids High School
Grace Forton, TC Central High School
Ezra Hubbard, Elk Rapids High School
Jack Matchett, TC Central High School
Cohen Reinhardt, Elk Rapids High School
Cora Speer, Northport Public School
Briley Stone, North Central Academy
Nora Wnek, Elk Rapids High School
Every school day until the final bell represents an important step in a student’s progress. We are committed to maintaining a steady learning environment as we move toward the end of the year. Consistent attendance during these final weeks helps students stay engaged with their peers and reinforces the growth they have achieved.
As the school year draws to a close, help us celebrate our fifteen 2026 Retirees, who achieved a combined 307 years of service at North Ed.
Today, we honor Susan Broad for her 33 years of service as a Teacher Assistant.
With high regard, we recognize Sue’s level of professionalism and dedication to her work. Her vast amount of experience has been a steady force in classrooms, creating an environment where students feel supported and connected. Sue brings out the best in others with respect, courtesy and compassion. Team members and students appreciate her genuine spirit and sense of humor. We applaud Sue for her many years of supporting our center programs.
Today, we honor Susan Broad for her 33 years of service as a Teacher Assistant.
With high regard, we recognize Sue’s level of professionalism and dedication to her work. Her vast amount of experience has been a steady force in classrooms, creating an environment where students feel supported and connected. Sue brings out the best in others with respect, courtesy and compassion. Team members and students appreciate her genuine spirit and sense of humor. We applaud Sue for her many years of supporting our center programs.
Every student brings a unique perspective to our classrooms. When a student is not here, their voice is missed. Your presence is valued, and it makes our school community complete. #SuccessStartsWithShowingUp
As the school year draws to a close, help us celebrate our fifteen 2026 Retirees, who achieved a combined 307 years of service at North Ed.
Today, we honor Daniel Bowers for his 26 years of service as a North Ed Career Tech Collision Repair Paraprofessional.
Dan’s dedication to Collision Repair at Career Tech has been a critical part of the success of this program. As a highly skilled technician whose expertise is recognized and respected by our local industry partners, Dan has been a critical driver of our program’s impact. His attention to detail, deep content knowledge and consistent approach has consistently left a lasting impact on students. We appreciate Dan’s contributions and hard work at Career Tech.
Today, we honor Daniel Bowers for his 26 years of service as a North Ed Career Tech Collision Repair Paraprofessional.
Dan’s dedication to Collision Repair at Career Tech has been a critical part of the success of this program. As a highly skilled technician whose expertise is recognized and respected by our local industry partners, Dan has been a critical driver of our program’s impact. His attention to detail, deep content knowledge and consistent approach has consistently left a lasting impact on students. We appreciate Dan’s contributions and hard work at Career Tech.
As the school year draws to a close, help us celebrate our fifteen 2026 Retirees, who achieved a combined 307 years of service at North Ed.
Today, we honor Jennifer Berner for her 24 years of service as a Teacher Consultant.
Jen’s expertise and vast knowledge of special education programming are commendable. She is highly respected by her colleagues as a leader and consummate professional in her role as a consultant. She delivers services for students and local districts, modeling North Ed values while striving for excellence in her professional capacity. Her enthusiasm, combined with natural coaching techniques, provides a resource that is greatly admired and valued. We applaud Jen’s contributions to education.
#HereForAllMiStudents #MichiganISDs
Today, we honor Jennifer Berner for her 24 years of service as a Teacher Consultant.
Jen’s expertise and vast knowledge of special education programming are commendable. She is highly respected by her colleagues as a leader and consummate professional in her role as a consultant. She delivers services for students and local districts, modeling North Ed values while striving for excellence in her professional capacity. Her enthusiasm, combined with natural coaching techniques, provides a resource that is greatly admired and valued. We applaud Jen’s contributions to education.
#HereForAllMiStudents #MichiganISDs
Congratulations to our 2026 Outstanding Educators!
Join us as we recognize the 10 honorees during a community event at 6:30 p.m., June 3 at the City Opera House in Traverse City. Huge thank you to TBA Credit Union and Traverse Connect for their support for this event! Find out who this year's Outstanding Educators are: https://www.northwested.org/article/2908111
As the school year comes to a close, there is so much to celebrate, including Tools of the Trade equipment deliveries! This year, we proudly awarded 61 Career Tech students $57,000 worth of essential tools to launch the next steps in their career. From work boots to power tools, specialized computers and everything in between, these Career Tech students are being set up for long-term success thanks to the generous donations made to the North Ed Foundation Tools of the Trade fund!
Learn more about Tools of the Trade and other North Ed Foundation funds: https://www.northedfoundation.org/o/nef/page/funds
Special thank you to Milwaukee Tools and Maxbauer Ace Hardware, managed by former Career Tech student Collin O'Brien.
We understand that barriers to attendance can arise. Whether it involves transportation, health or other hurdles, our school is here to provide support. If your family is facing challenges with attendance, please reach out to our office so we can help. #SuccessStartsWithShowingUp
