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7 Teachers Win $1,000 65 Reasons Awards for Their Schools

Meemic Insurance Company announces the seven $1,000 winners of its 65REASONS anniversary campaign.

Meemic Insurance Company was founded in 1950 by a small group of educators in Detroit who wanted to provide high-quality, affordable insurance. To celebrate its 65th year, Meemic Insurance Company is going back to its roots with its 65REASONS campaign and honoring all of the educational employees that have made the company great.

"We are so appreciative of the support that we've received from educators over the years.  Our 65REASONS campaign is our chance to show how much they mean to Meemic," said Pamela Harlin, spokesperson for Meemic. "In our 65th year, we not only want to celebrate our company, we want to celebrate teachers who are at the heart of what we do and thank them for all they do in our communities."

In Phase 1 earlier this year, Meemic gave out 65 $100 awards to schools. For Phase 2, there were seven $1,000 awards in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. Teachers and other school employees and retirees filled out a form online at 65REASONS.com and also posted the reason they love teachers or teaching on the Meemic Facebook page, Facebook.com/Meemic, using the hashtag #65REASONS. Winners were chosen randomly from eligible entries. The awards go the winning entrant’s designated school to use as they see fit.
The winners and schools:



James Anderson III, assistant professor at University of Wisconsin-Extension, Douglas County, in Superior, WI. He wrote: “Teachers inspire multiple generations each day.”



Dina Esposito, counselor at Scullen Middle School in Naperville, IL. She wrote: “... Our educators are constantly finding new ways to keep students engaged in learning. Through the use of technology, students are able to collaborate with students from across the world! Our educators are constantly promoting curiosity, grit and a growth mindset. … To help our educators continue the process of ‘thinking outside the box’ and reaching all students in a variety of settings and academic levels, we not only promote our teachers, but we LOVE them, too! No career is more rewarding and challenging than that of an educator. It’s just as simple and as complicated as that.”



Carri Hammers, director of admissions and communications at Southfield Christian School in Southfield, MI. She wrote: “I love teachers because they personally invest in their students’ lives. They open the world to students, allowing them to dream big, and they provide them with skills to do great things.”



Shoni Levinsohn, teacher at Eaton Rapids Middle School in Eaton Rapids, MI. She wrote: “We keep smiling because sometimes that’s the only smile a child sees all day.”

Rachel Mainero, a teacher at Reuther Middle School in Rochester Hills, MI. She wrote: “The teachers in the Crusader Nation are amazing and dearly loved! They’ve dedicated their lives to fostering an environment where students are valued and encouraged to be the best they can be. The teachers are constantly improving their craft to incorporate strategies and routines to help students of all learning styles and abilities. Crusader Nation is a community that challenges our students to think outside the box, take risks and learn from mistakes. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else. It is a joy to come to work every day!”



Karrie Marciniak, teacher at Mackensen Elementary in Bay City, MI. She wrote: “I love teachers for MORE than 65 reasons. Mostly, because of the extra mile so many are willing to go for the betterment of our kids’ future.”



Cathleen Weaver, director of student support at Potterville High School in Potterville, MI. She wrote: “I love teachers because they are the first line of defense to making our world healthier, stronger and kinder. Every day, teachers have the opportunity to interact with and change the lives of their students, who will in turn, change the world.