Great Lakes Wire

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that Kelly Herberholz, a science teacher and administrative team intern at Dakota High School in Macomb County, has been named the 2025 Educator of the Year. This recognition comes with a $10,000 prize from the Michigan Lottery’s Excellence in Education program.

Governor Whitmer praised Herberholz for her dedication to education, stating, "For over a decade, Kelly has brought her A-game to the classroom, teaching students at Dakota High how to love science and work together to solve problems." She also highlighted Herberholz's role as an exceptional campus leader who connects students with the community.

Herberholz expressed gratitude for the award and emphasized her passion for education. "When thinking about what career to pursue, education just made perfect sense for me," she said. She credited her students and colleagues for their support and inspiration.

Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli presented Herberholz with the award and commended her impact on students. "Kelly Herberholz is a beloved educator at Dakota High School," Shkreli noted. "The emotion in the room when she received the award was overwhelming."

Dakota High School Principal Kevin Koskos described Herberholz as a tremendous role model who embodies leadership as a lifestyle. He praised her commitment to student government and positive school culture.

A colleague nominated Herberholz for her dedication both inside and outside the classroom. The nomination highlighted her efforts in fostering community through events and initiatives like sending postcards with encouraging notes to students.

Herberholz holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan State University and has spent all 12 years of her teaching career at Dakota High School. The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to honor outstanding public-school educators statewide.

Each year, one weekly winner is selected as Educator of the Year from nominees evaluated on excellence, dedication, inspiration, leadership, and effectiveness criteria.

Previous recipients include Samantha TwoCrow (2024), Kathryn Kluzak (2023), Spencer Vanderheide (2022), Janice Smith (2021), Megan Sidge (2020), Stewart Kieliszewski (2019), Kerri Moccio (2018), Linda Holzwarth (2017), Daniel Carr (2016), and Michael Craig (2015).

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