Friday, June 24, 2011

Congratulations Michelle Kreischer 2011 Banner Starfish Award Winner!


The 2011 Banner Starfish Award was presented to Michelle Kreischer last week at the City Year Graduation Ceremony

Persistence, Ingenuity, Selflessness, and Humility. These four characteristics describe our 2011 Banner Starfish Award Winner. With an unwavering commitment to service, a creative spirit, and the ability to rise up again and again to overcome adversity, Michelle Kreischer embodies what it means to be recognized with this award.

Call me dramatic, but I knew a few other highly qualified corps members that applied for the award and was shocked when my name was called. I work with amazingly talented and passionate people that are imagining an idealistic future through their own unique ventures and ideas. There have been a few times when I've sat in the Idealistic Journey sessions with my fellow senior corps members and am in awe of them,” Michelle says. 

She is a true advocate for quality and equal education. Her work at James Rhoads Elementary School and her commitment to creating a partnership with the Center for Literacy, helped to maximize tutoring time with the students whom she and her fellow corps members served.

In choosing Michelle, we were struck by her deep commitment and clear vision that she exemplified throughout her entire service year.

“She truly is like meeting Mr. Holland,” her supervisor says, in regards to her commitment to her students and love of music.

Michelle plans to continue to combine her love of music education with her calling to be a teacher.

“Starting in August, I will be teaching K-6th grade music at Mastery Charter School-Smeldey Elementary.  It will be my first time teaching full time and I'm very excited about all of the possibilities,” Michelle says. She plans to create a music program that will expose her students to music in a holistic style. She wants to ensure that her students have a chance to physically demonstrate the musical elements they will learn and have within them already.

Thursday, June 23, 2011