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2011 Farmington Hills Teacher of the Year

  Bobbie Blazo, a third-grade teacher at Beechview Elementary School, said she was "stunned" when named the Farmington Public Schools Elementary School Teacher of the Year at a surprise assembly Monday.

"I am very blessed to have one of the best jobs on the planet," said a beaming Blazo after the presentation by Supt. Susan Zurvalec in front of an audience of cheering, clapping students.

Blazo was one of three teachers surprised Monday by a visit from Zurvalec to tell them they had been named Teacher of the Year.

Kevin Miesner, a Harrison High School science teacher, was selected as the FPS High School Teacher of the Year.
          Bobbie Blazo and her husband, Steve.

Jon Vondrasek, a Dunckel Middle School science teacher, was named the FPS Middle School Teacher of the Year. All three recipients will be honored at the Board of Education meeting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22. It will be cablecast live on TV-10.

'STRICT BUT FUN'

When Blazo went to the Beechview gym Monday afternoon, she thought it had to do with the school's Japan Day event.

Instead, Zurvalec and others came out on stage to announce the award and hand her flowers and purple and white balloons.

Blazo is also this year's recipient of a one-year lease of a car of her choice from The Suburban Collection.

Making the lease presentation was Gary Allgeier of The Suburban Collection, who said, "it's great to support the people who enrich the community."

"We're just thrilled," said Principal Sharon Cooper afterward. "It's an honor for the whole school."

Randy Croucher, 9, a third-grader, said he thinks Blazo is a fine choice for the award.

"I really think she does deserve it," he said. "She is the funnest teacher I ever had. She is strict but she is fun."

Students were eager to say what kind of car she should choose.

"I think a Mustang," said Croucher.

"I think she should get a Jeep, because I think they look comfortable and they look cool," said Taylor Bowman, 9, a third-grader. "Since my favorite color is purple, maybe it should be purple."

"I want Mrs. Blazo to get an Expedition because they have a lot of room and you can go on vacation with it," said Emilio Gumma, 8.

Blazo will have plenty of cars to choose from, Allgeier said. The Suburban Collection is the state's largest dealership group. It has a location in Farmington Hills.

Blazo began teaching at Beechview in 1997. Her nomination called her "a highly creative and energetic teacher" for whom it's not unusual to dress up as a scientist or a book character in order to engage the students fully.

A colleague wrote, "Bobbie is an outstanding teacher who leaves a positive imprint on each student, parent and colleague she meets."

"She continues to educate herself in new technology, as well as educate teachers through workshops," read the nomination.

Blazo received the Beechview PTA Distinguished Service Award. She is active in student safety teams, community and instructional events and the student talent show.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Science teacher Kevin Miesner has been a district and Harrison High School teacher since 1995.

"Mr. Miesner has a wonderful balance of seriousness and fun ..." the nomination stated. "He goes the extra mile to ensure his students have concepts down and inspires learning, often using personal anecdotes of how chemistry plays a role in our everyday lives."

Miesner is the science department chair; Chemistry and Science Olympiad coach; Environmental Activism and Science Club chair; and involved in the Harrison Communication Camp, among many other activities.

According to a student: "Mr. Miesner is not only an outstanding teacher, he's a listener, a motivator, a counselor, but more importantly, he's your friend. He's who you would go to when your book bag is a little too heavy, the day a little too cold, or the hallway a little too crowded."

A colleague wrote: "There are few educators who devote their whole selves to ensure that students are successful in life. Kevin Miesner is one of those people."

A TEACHER OF CHOICE

Dunckel Middle School science teacher Jon Vondrasek has been with the district since 1998.

A colleague wrote, "I would want Jon Vondrasek to teach and coach my son or daughter ... I know of no higher endorsement that I could give a fellow educator."

"Jon is an engaging teacher, sharing his love of science with his students, continually looking for ways to help his students learn and achieve. He is the science teacher of choice for the middle school's Emotional Impairment and Cognitive/Autistic Impairment classrooms, working hard to make sure no student fails to learn," according to the nomination.

The nomination adds that Vondrasek was instrumental in making for a smooth transition for Dunckel when it was reconfigured as a seventh- and eighth-grade middle school this year.

Vondrasek is also a "lifelong learner," continually attending classes and seminars.

In addition, he coaches for seventh- and eighth-grade basketball, is the Dunckel football coach and the assistant baseball coach at Farmington High School.

ssteinmueller@hometownlife.com | (313) 222-2241


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