Four local teachers honored for investment in STEM education, innovation in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — The MiSTEM Network team in region 2 – covering southeast and southcentral Michigan – hosted their 6th annual awards ceremony to honor educators and a community partner for their commitment to cultivating a vibrant STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) ecosystem in Michigan. The MiSTEM Region 2 Educator of the Year Recognition Banquet served as a closing ceremony for the 2025 STEAM Week hosted by Washtenaw Community college. 

“Educators and community partners across the state play a critical role in providing quality STEM education and experiences for our students,” said Megan Schrauben, MiSTEM Network Executive Director. “The annual ceremony highlights the contributions of those that advance the statewide strategy to empower educators and prepare the next generation of innovators for successful careers.” 

Educators who were nominated for the awards were required to be a full-time K-12/Middle College Educator in the MiSTEM Region 2 area with at least half of their contractual time instructing and creating highly effective experiences for their students, while contributing to the STEM culture in their communities. MiSTEM is pleased to congratulate the following:  

• John Kim II of Ypsilanti Community High School and STEMM Middle College in Ypsilanti, was named MiSTEM Region 2 STEM Educator of the Year after five years of service to the field of education. The award recognizes a consistent record of outstanding teaching and related activities in STEM fields, focusing on their accomplishments in the last three to five years. 
• James Barnes of Wylie Elementary School in Dexter, was named MiSTEM Region 2 STEM Integration Educator of the Year after 25 years in education. The award recognizes an educator who primarily teaches outside of traditional STEM-fields or across elementary school programs and who has a consistent record of integration of STEM principles and high-quality STEM-related experiences for students, focusing on their accomplishments in the last three to five years. 
• Mark Geha of Blissfield Middle School in Blissfield, was presented with the MiSTEM Region 2 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes Geha’s 25 years of service, inspiring students to think critically about the world around them by creating a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where students feel empowered to explore STEM. 
• Renee Gilson of Clinton High School in Clinton, was presented with the MiSTEM Region 2 Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes Gilson’s many contributions to the school, surrounding community and to the field of education that spanned 29 years of service.  

In addition to being recognized at the MiSTEM Recognition Ceremony at Washtenaw Community College, each educator received a $1,000 grant to help increase their impact around STEM education. These funds help educators support future STEM 3P (project-, problem- and place-based) engagement for their students. The educators were also invited to become members of the Regional Steering Committee where they will help shape the direction of MiSTEM efforts to meet regional needs. 

MiSTEM Region 2 is comprised of six counties from southeast/south central Michigan, including: Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties. Their work aims to unite education, business and community partners across the state by creating pathways for all students to consider and pursue high-wage, high-demand careers in STEM. Their mission is to be the catalyst for equitable access and engagement in authentic STEM experiences in every community in Michigan. 

"Each year, I look forward to taking the time to thank our educators and community partners who advance STEM across the region,” said Scott Heister, MiSTEM Region 2 Director. “It’s important we acknowledge and uplift those who are dedicated to providing students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive.” 

Learn more about MiSTEM Region 2 at mistemregion2.org or find your local region to get connected to the statewide STEM strategy.