LIVONIA, Mich.–Students and teachers at Grandview Elementary in Livonia’s Clarenceville School District were recently called by Principal Renee Valentine to an assembly in the school gym for a surprise announcement.
There they learned that fifth grade teacher Cynthia Gibson had been voted the hardest working teacher in Zeal Credit Union’s campaign to recognize teachers in grades K-12, who demonstrate hard work, empathy and passion for teaching.
Loud cheers rang throughout the gym as Principal Valentine made the announcement, and the surprised Gibson came forward to receive the award from Tiffany Sweet, youth and community development coordinator for Zeal Credit Union. Gibson was one of 10 finalists selected from more than 250 nominations received throughout metro Detroit. More than 15,000 online votes were cast for the 10 finalists, with Gibson taking the lead.
“There is no doubt that Mrs. Gibson is one of the most deserving people for this recognition from Zeal Credit Union,” said Principal Valentine. “She goes above and beyond her job teaching, and she does it silently. I call her a hero, because she’s always helping students and their families.”
Gibson, who has taught at Grandview for 17 years, oversees the school’s student council, which participates in community services projects such as Goodfellows Canned Food Drive, Pennies for Pasta, Meals on Wheels and Teacher Appreciation Week. She is also passionate about fundraising for those battling cancer and has set up school events to raise money for the Karmanos Cancer Institute and organized Grandview’s Mini Relay for Life to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
According to Valentine, Gibson organized all of this year’s holiday gifts for 19 families in need that the school had identified and then helped nine more.
Sweet and team members from Zeal Credit Union presented Gibson with a check for $500 to be used for her classroom, another $500 for Grandview Elementary, and a fun pizza party for her fifth graders.
“I want to give a huge thank you to all the Grandview students, teachers, parents and staff who voted for me,” said Gibson. “It’s such an honor and means so much.”
At right, from left, Tiffany Sweet, youth and community development coordinator for Zeal Credit Union, presents a check for $500 to Cynthia Gibson, a fifth grade teacher at Grandview Elementary in Livonia, who was winner of the Hardest Working Teacher campaign. The funds will be used for Gibson’s classroom.
Below, during a school assembly at Grandview Elementary to announce teacher Cynthia Gibson’s award as Hardest Working Teacher, Principal Renee Valentine, at right, accepts a check for $500 from Zeal Credit Union to be used by the school. At left, making the presentation is Tiffany Sweet, youth and community development coordinator for Zeal Credit Union with winning teacher Cynthia Gibson, center.