Great Lakes Wire

An educator from Eaton County, Erik Smith, has been recognized with the Excellence in Education award by the Michigan Lottery. Smith is a business and media teacher and coach at Eaton Rapids High School, part of Eaton Rapids Public Schools.

The Michigan Lottery created the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to honor public-school educators across Michigan during the school year. Each weekly winner receives a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of these winners will be chosen as Educator of the Year and awarded an additional $10,000.

Winners are also featured on news segments aired by several partner stations throughout Michigan. The segment highlighting Smith is scheduled to air this evening.

“Mr. Smith’s positive energy and attitude profoundly impact his students every day,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “His dedication goes far beyond the classroom, as he coaches throughout the year to help students realize their full potential.”

Smith credits his father for inspiring him to become an educator: “My dad was a teacher, and I had some other really awesome teachers growing up. I enjoy seeing students succeed. In my role, it’s important to understand that success looks different for each student and work with students to figure out where they can personally succeed and grow. Seeing that success is incredibly rewarding.”

According to his nomination—submitted by his father—Smith has spent all 19 years of his teaching career at Eaton Rapids High School after graduating from there in 1998. He has taught various subjects but is noted for creating Studio 143, which produces daily news broadcasts involving student participation in writing, producing, and presenting content about school events. The program also includes monthly features where students interview participants in school activities; these experiences provide valuable skills for those involved.

In addition to running Studio 143 and teaching Advanced Digital Media classes where students create scripts and short films, Smith serves as editor for the school newspaper “The Bark” and coaches football, basketball, and track teams at Eaton Rapids Public Schools.

Nominees for the Excellence in Education award are evaluated based on excellence (helping schools or districts achieve higher academic levels), dedication (going above expectations), inspiration (motivating others), leadership (demonstrating clear leadership abilities), and effectiveness (producing positive educational outcomes).

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from Aquinas College.