Great Lakes Wire

A Wayne County educator with nearly 50 years of service has received the Michigan Lottery's Excellence In Education award. Bob Brodie, a high school physical education teacher and coach at Salem High School in the Plymouth Canton Community School District, was awarded for his significant contributions to education.

The Michigan Lottery founded the Excellence In Education awards in 2014 to honor exceptional public school educators statewide. Each weekly award winner receives a $2,000 cash prize, and one will be selected as the Educator of the Year at the end of the school year, receiving a $10,000 prize. Winners are also featured on the Lottery's media partners' news segments, including WXYZ-TV in Detroit and FOX 17 in Grand Rapids. Brodie's segment will air this evening.

"Bob Brodie embodies the essence of what it means to be an educator," said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. She praised his dedication beyond the classroom, highlighting his roles as a teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator. Brodie attributed his career choice to his parents, both educators, stating, "Being a teacher and coach allows me to help students learn to become responsible, productive, and accountable adults."

Brodie was nominated by a colleague who commended his extensive teaching and coaching career, spanning business and physical education, counseling, and administration. Having recently stepped down as head basketball coach, he remains on staff as an assistant and has been active with the MHSAA as an athletic official for over five decades. His influence extends through his development of new classes, supervision of aspiring teachers, and mentorship. Brodie holds degrees from Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, and Wayne State University.

The criteria for the Excellence In Education award include excellence, dedication, inspiration, leadership, and effectiveness in promoting academic achievement.