Excellence in Education - Denise Schaffer

By Gabriel Rogers

Gabriel Rogers joined FOX 17 in January 2023 after graduating from Grand Valley State University. He received his B.A. in international relations and German Language with a minor in history in Winter 2022. While studying at GVSU, he became an active member at GVTV - the university's student-run television station. There, he was introduced to the world of broadcast journalism and storytelling.

Gabriel has also spent time in Europe; living in Munich, Germany for a year while admitted to the Ludwig Maximilian Universität as a guest student.

His passion for journalism comes from a love of history and international affairs. He also has a love for languages — being proficient in German as well as having studied other languages like Dutch, Pennsylvania German, French, Russian and Italian in the past.

This week's Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education Winner is Denise Schaffer from Wilcox Elementary, which is part of the Holt Public School system.

LANSING, Mich. — Denise Schaffer is being recognized for her Excellence in Education.

Jerry Schaffer, Denise’s nominator, says, “As a lower EL teacher of 17 years of experience, she exemplifies the dedicated and hardworking teachers who are educating the children of the next generation.”

“I think joy is just a great catalyst for learning,” says Denise, “I might have a giant dinosaur in the classroom. We might build castles. The parents say they hate missing school. So I know that joy piece is really a great motivator."

Denise has received a $1,500 check from the Michigan Lottery, and her class at Wilcox Elementary will receive a $500 grant.

Is there an educator in your community who displays Excellence in Education? Click here to nominate them.

SEE MORE: Excellence in Education nominees wanted

Follow FOX 17: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - YouTube