A high school teacher from Howell received the Milken Educator Award last Friday, the only educator in the state to do so.
Nick Peruski, who is a 36-year-old business and career technical educator, has taught at Lakeland High School for the past three years. He has taught in Huron Valley Schools for a decade, teaching the first seven years at Muir Middle School before moving to Lakeland High.
“One teacher has the power to impact thousands of students,” said Greg Gallagher, a representative from the Milken Family Foundation in the surprise award ceremony. “We go across the U.S. giving the Milken Award, and one of the best teachers in the country is in your school. This teacher is receiving the only [Milken Educator Award] in Michigan this year. We searched all over the country to find the best of the best.”
The Milken Award, which comes with a $25,000 check, aims to recognize outstanding teachers around the country. The foundation has given only 40 educator award this year nationwide and less than 3,000 total.
The award is presented in a surprise ceremony, meaning only a handful of people knew that Peruski would be receiving the honor. Peruski thought that the school assembly had been called to hear from Michigan Superintendent Michael Rice.
Rice was in attendance, although not for the reason that Peruski thought.
“There are a lot of honorable professions, but no greater one than the one that raises kids up,” Rice said, according to Hometown Life. “I’m glad he represents this profession.”
In addition to receiving the cash prize, recipients of the 2019-2020 Milken Educator Award will also attend a conference in March. They will also be paired with a veteran Milken Educator mentor.
Peruski fits the profile for the kind of educators the Milken Family Foundation wants to honor with the award, Gallagher said. He is early on in his career, but shows leadership qualities, creates innovative programs and inspires students.
“This feels amazing!” Peruski said after being presented with the award, according to Hometown Life. “I feel so lucky to work with great educators… This is awesome.”
Peruski said he enjoys the challenge of teaching. He is an advocate for the importance of technical training.
“Every day is different and what works for students changes,” Peruski said. “I love meeting the needs. It’s great to know I am making an impact.”
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with Battleground State News and The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
Photo “Huron Valley Schools” by Dwight Burdette. CC BY 3.0.
