Avondale School District Announces Excellence in Education Award Winners

Ten Avondale School District students were honored last night during the 20^th Annual Excellence in Education Awards Program hosted by the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce and The Palace of Auburn Hills. Students were chosen to be recognized by their teachers and school administrators for a variety of reasons including academic excellence, outstanding leadership skills, and strength of character. Staff nominated students from each Avondale School District school and submitted their name along with a summary telling how the student captured the essence of the Excellence in Education award. Students selected a teacher that they wanted to share their honor with, wrote a tribute to the teacher, and then read the tribute aloud during the event providing some touching moments for the teachers and the audience.

Avondale School District 2016 Excellence in Education award winners:

Auburn Elementary fifth-grader Kamila Hernandez is the daughter of Victoria Hernandez of Auburn Hills. She shared her honor with Auburn Elementary Physical Education teacher, Shawn Kilbourn.

Deerfield Elementary fifth-grader Caroline Lambert is the daughter of Michael and Monica Lambert of Rochester Hills. She shared her honor with Deerfield Elementary 3^rd grade teacher, Katherine Eckhout.

R. Grant Graham Elementary fifth-grader Quentin Todd is the son of Damon and Cewanda Todd of Auburn Hills. He shared his honor with R. Grant Graham Elementary 3^rd grade teacher, Gina Lantz.

Woodland Elementary fifth-grader Kendall Cabot is the daughter of Shawn and Laura Cabot of Rochester Hills. She shared her honor with Woodland Elementary 4^th grade teacher, Dawn Polizzi.

Avondale Middle School eighth-grader Amanda Dowd is the daughter of Jeffrey and Angela Dowd of Troy. She shared her honor with Avondale Middle School teacher, Maria Kopicki.

Avondale Middle School eighth-grader Jad Fakhoury is the son of Jay and Amal Fakhoury of Rochester Hills. He shared his honor with Avondale Middle School teacher, Ray Went.

Avondale Academy junior Kameron Moore is the son of Gary Stephens and Lanita Moore of Auburn Hills. He shared his honor with Avondale Academy teacher, Gabrielle Griffey.

Avondale High School senior Alexa Alonso is the daughter of Greg and Jill Alonso of Troy. She shared her honor with Avondale High School teacher, Mia Davila.

Avondale High School senior Andrew Zangkas is the son of Terry and Mary Beth Zangkas of Rochester Hills. He shared his honor with Avondale High School teacher, Amanda Barber.

Avondale High School senior Claudia Aitonean was also honored during the event when she received a $1,000 scholarship from Faurecia.