Joe Froehlich, Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Lottery | Michigan Lottery
Joe Froehlich, Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Lottery | Michigan Lottery
An educator from Oakland County has been recognized with an Excellence in Education award by the Michigan Lottery. Antoneta Gjolaj, a math and reading interventionist at Graham Elementary within the Avondale School District, received the honor for her exceptional contributions to education.
The Michigan Lottery initiated the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to acknowledge outstanding public-school educators across Michigan. Winners of this weekly award receive a $2,000 cash prize, and one of these winners will be chosen as the Educator of the Year at the end of the school year, receiving an additional $10,000.
Gjolaj's recognition comes with a feature segment on several media partner stations including WXYZ-TV in Detroit and FOX 17 in Grand Rapids. This segment is scheduled to air this evening.
Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli remarked on Gjolaj's dedication: “Mrs. Gjolaj is known as a leader in her school because of her commitment to her students and colleagues... She is someone students trust and can turn to when they are struggling or need help.” Shkreli also highlighted Gjolaj’s lifelong dedication to education stemming from her own experiences as a student in Montenegro and Kosovo.
Gjolaj expressed that being raised among teachers fueled her passion for teaching: “Being raised in a family of teachers and being surrounded by great teachers all my life ignited my passion and dream of becoming a teacher from a young age.”
A colleague nominated Gjolaj for the award, praising her enthusiasm and commitment: “Mrs. Gjolaj is the most passionate, hands-on, and positive teacher I have ever come across... she embraces [diversity] and welcomes everyone with open arms.”
Gjolaj holds degrees from Oakland University and Cornerstone University. Her career spans 23 years, with six years dedicated to her current role.
Nominees for the Excellence in Education award are evaluated based on criteria such as excellence, dedication, inspiration, leadership, and effectiveness in their educational roles.
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