Excellence in Education: Virginia Platek

5:48 PM, May 10, 2022

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.

Virginia Platek of Battle Creek Central High School is this week's Excellence in Education award winner!

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Virginia Platek is being recognized for her Excellence in Education.

"Some of the students come up to her [and say], 'You have been the best teacher I've ever had,'" says Judy Platek, Virginia's nominator.

“We are teaching [students] to be responsible citizens of the world, and it can be difficult, but that's what we do,” says Virginia. “It's great to see what they become and what they can do, and just knowing that you had a part in that ... it's really exciting.”

Virginia has received a $1,500 check from the Michigan Lottery, and her class at Battle Creek Central High School will receive a $500 grant.

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