This year two Everest teachers were recognized with the Archdiocese of Detroit Excellence in Teaching award. Each year, the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Office of Catholic schools offers an opportunity for its teachers to be recognized for their consistent efforts, touching the hearts, souls, and minds of students. This year, as a special way of recognizing the recipients, AOD personnel introduced each Archdiocesan school’s Excellence in Teaching Award winner on the field at Comerica Park during the Catholic League baseball semifinals. This on-field presentation was held on May 17. Congratulations to Mrs. Michelle McGrath and Miss Maria Mellis for this recognition!
“At Everest, we are blessed to have a kindergarten teacher who thrives in her mission as a formator of children. Michelle McGrath started teaching in our preschool fifteen years ago, she then helped design and run our junior kindergarten program, and has spent the past few years teaching kindergarten. She often remarks that this age is where her passion lies and I agree. Her students are well-prepared for first grade and their great academic achievement is much due to the fact that they know their teacher believes in them and they want to do more for her. Her students also demonstrate great growth in the human and spiritual formation areas during their year in her room. They are often in the chapel praying for each other, the school, and teachers. Her class runs like clock-work and the students know what the expectations are and follow the procedures taught in September to a ‘t’. I once filled in for Michelle, and I only needed to be there, the students knew what to do and politely led me through what I needed to be done while I was covering the class.
Michelle ALWAYS is one with a joyful attitude and willing heart. She will do anything for her students, fellow teachers, and administrators. As her supervisor for many years, I honestly have to say that there are few people in this world like Michelle. I don’t remember one time when Michelle said no to one of my requests. She is humble and never ‘toots her own horn’ but I see all that she does for our school and it has impressed me greatly.” -Mrs. Ender, Academy Principal
“Maria Mellis has been an example of a faith-filled Catholic woman since beginning her tenure at Everest. As a teacher, Maria exemplifies so many virtues: patience, purity, responsibility, faithfulness, wisdom, industry, generosity and more. She is as a model of excellence in her craft as an instructor. Not only does her breadth of knowledge constantly show through, but the depth with which she is able to engage students is admirable. The care and planning that Maria puts into her lessons show a person who understands the complex balance between keeping students engaged and challenging them to think deeply on important Christian ideas. There is not a student I have met who does not respect and appreciate her ability to teach effectively.
Maria also generously invests her time as a formation coach to many of our young ladies, and she is always available after school for a “chat” with anyone who needs a wise and open ear. True to our Integral Formation pedagogy at Everest she sees each student as a whole: intellectually, spiritually, humanly, and apostolically – ever seeking to bring out the best in them and helping them to realize God’s unique plan for their lives. Maria is an example of a true apostle of Christ, loving His children and working in the vineyard!” -Mr. Reichert, High School Principal
