Holly Wirgau named teacher of the year

by Angie Asam Staff Writer At last Monday?s Rogers City Board of Education meeting superintendent Dan Byrne announced that Holly Wirgau was selected as the 2009-2010 Rogers City Teacher of the Year.

?Holly is truly a dedicated teacher; she is thoroughly knowledgeable and excited about her field of study. She makes her science classes come alive within the classroom and with the outside scientific activities she involves her students in. She has the ?fish in the classroom? salmon project, takes the students on numerous field trips to study the environment, check water quality and help students understand their natural surroundings. She also includes helping students to care and protect the natural resources through recycling, reducing and reusing. Holly helps students understand their impact on the environment and gives her students a complete understanding of the scientific principles of the nature of science, imparting the love of learning along the way,? said Byrne.

Wirgau teaches computers and science in the middle school and was nominated by several fellow colleagues because of her dedication to her students, her organization and energy towards her job.

?I feel honored to be chosen as teacher of the year, I was very surprised when they came in with a bouquet of flowers to announce that I had won. It was the farthest thing from my mind at the time, I knew nominations were going on but did not know that I had been nominated. I have joined the ranks of some of my fellow teachers. My students always come first, I work to ensure that they can all learn in their own way,? said Wirgau.

In the nomination proce

ss, several of Wirgau?s fellow teachers cited her caring aptitude and compassion as well as commitment for reasons she should be chosen as the teacher of the year. ?Holly has been a mentor to a number of teachers on staff. She not only helps with making sure these young teachers are professional and knowledgeable in their respective subject areas but more importantly inspires them to see beyond the lesson plans and truly motivate their students, building relationships within the school community. I may also add, Holly is an excellent listener and truly cares about the professionalism of our school,? said Byrne.

Mrs. Wirgau works to help all students excel regardless of their ability or learning style and helps to make sure they can all learn in the way that comes easiest to them.