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
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.
