Outstanding Person in Education
A recognition that has been in place in MPS since 1985 when Carol Swiler was the first person to be recognized. Including this year, 37 years of teachers at our school have been recognized for doing the best they can for our kids and our school.
Marion Public Schools and Marion Schools Education Association are proud to announce
Mrs. Michelle Grimm as our OPIE for the 2021/2022 school year. This is a well-deserved
honor because of Michelle’s dedication to her students and our school. Michelle goes above
and beyond making sure her students understand the concepts needed to solve math
problems in real life. She has been an essential part of the math dept. since joining our staff.
Both students and staff look to Mrs. Grimm for advice. Staff members go to her to get input on
how to handle those challenging students. Michelle has been active in our MSEA group for a
long time; serving on committees like negotiation or E-board when needed. She is a person
who looks for things that need improvement and helps come up with ideas to improve things
for our teachers. This helpful and consistent work ethic is balanced with her family, her sons’
sports and activities, and her passion for music and singing. She could be found
snowmobiling, camping, fishing, or helping on the farm. It is truly a pleasure to show our
appreciation for her. Thank you, Michelle, for what you do each day.
Friend of Education
Since 1990, we have also recognized a person or group from the community that has supported our school in ways that were invaluable. As a small school, we rely on our community and parents to partner with opportunities for kids and expand their experiences.
Tonight we also recognize Dan Lee and Farm Bureau Insurance as our Friend of Education.
Consider a mass of elementary children exercising, purple basketballs flying for half-court
shots, community kids trick-or-treating from a trunk managed by high school students. If
you’ve ever seen these activities happening around Marion, you can know that Dan Lee has
been working. Dan, as a Farm Bureau Insurance Representative, is a major contributor to
wonderful events and activities connected to Marion Public Schools. A.C.E.S. (All Children
Exercise Simultaneously) is a program he’s supported in which elementary school kids
participate for their health. Each month kindergarteners at our elementary school have Farm
Fresh lessons from the Michigan Agriculture in the Classroom Program, thanks to Dan’s
sponsorship. Besides this, the American Cancer Society has benefited from Dan’s
organization and operation of Coaches vs. Cancer basketball events. Surprisingly, Dan still
has time to individually volunteer to help with Saturday sports programs and clinics for football
and basketball for elementary-aged kids. You will often see his wife and kids participating in
school and community events as well. The Marion community is grateful and blessed to have
Dan, a 2005 graduate of MHS, for the enrichment and opportunities that he has provided for
our schools and our area families. From all of us, thank you, Dan Lee!