When Jill Santola gathered in North Sashabaw Elementary’s cafeteria for a morning assembly with the rest of the school, she had no idea what was in store for her.
Santola was named ‘Teacher of the Year? by the Clarkston Foundation and Suburban Ford of Waterford on May 7 during a surprise presentation in front of the entire school.
‘I was totally shocked. There are so many teachers in the district that go above and beyond,? Santola said. ‘I thought I’d won just by being nominated.?
The ceremony was disguised as a ‘school meeting? for the building.
Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts opened the assembly by updating students on the district’s Blue Ribbon winners and quickly introduced a special surprise guest behind the stage’s curtains: foundation president Jim Evans.
‘I heard this was the hardest year ever,? Evans said in response to the committee’s choosing a winner.
Principal Debra Latozas was the only member of the staff who knew Santola was this year’s recipient of the title.
‘She’s always nice,? Emma Lake, one of Santola’s students, said.
Santola was greeted by the foundation, her students and even her own family on the cafeteria’s stage. Victoria Martinez, a parent who nominated Santola for the award, was on stage with flowers for the award winner.
‘This is a reflection of all the people in the building,? Santola said. ‘The love and support people give in this building is wonderful.?
Santola was joined on stage by her students who held up a banner congratulating their teacher.
Santola was quickly whisked away in a stretch SUV limousine, courtesty of NSE’s PTO, to Suburban Ford of Waterford where she was allowed to pick out a car to drive, free of charge, for a full year.
Sherrie VanderVeen lead this year’s selection committee for the foundation and was very pleased with Santola’s title. Part of the nomination process involved a visit to Santola’s classroom and meeting with students.
‘I think when we walked out of her classroom, everyone who had observed her had changed,? VanderVeen said. ‘We look at the total teacher package. We were all tremendously moved that she had an impact on students and the school.?
Other finalists for this year’s award were Debbie Licata (Andersonville Elementary), Kathy Noble (Bailey Lake Elementary), Sandy Schutte (Springfield Plains Elementary) and Jessica Sorensen (Independence Elementary).
‘Our teachers are pretty humble,? Roberts said. ‘She (Santola) represents a vast number of teachers in our system who are superb.?
Santola began her teaching career in 1987 as a special education teacher at Blanche Sims Elementary in Lake Orion. She joined Clarkston schools in 1988 at Pine Knob Elementary and moved to North Sashabaw in 1990 where she has remained ever since. She currently serves as a first/second grade multi-age teacher.
‘She’s a good teacher,? Austin Smith, Santola’s student, said.
To be eligible for the award, a current teacher must have a minimum of two years of full-time experience and be nominated by a parent, students (both past and present), community members or colleagues.
This is the 11th year the foundation has sponsored the program. Suburban Ford of Waterford has been a part of the honor for six years.
Jared D’Autremont was excited to see his teacher win Teacher of the Year. His reasoning for why he liked her was pretty simple.
‘She teaches us a lot of nice things,? D’Autremont said.