Courtesy photo Outstanding Persons in Education (OPIE) awards were given to 16 area teachers and support professionals at a banquet on Thursday, May 16 at the Terrace Bay Hotel. This event, co-sponsored by the Michigan Education Association 17B Coordinating Council and Local Associations, honors outstanding individuals in their profession as chosen by their peers. The OPIE awards are held annually and are in their 18th year. The 2019 honorees are, from left, LeeAnne Iverson, Gladstone EA; Amber Quigley, Delta Schoolcraft ISD EA; Toni Kucharczyk, Delta Schoolcraft ISD EA; Ruth Oswald, Bark River-Harris EA; Jacob Kuehl, Big Bay de Noc EA; Sue McNeil, Delta Schoolcraft ISD; Mary Cook, Escanaba ESP; Christa Peterson, Big Bay de Noc ESP; Ashley Karkkainen, Menominee City EA; Shannon Pavlat, North Central ESP; Tammra Barteld, Bay College Faculty; Amy Nixon, Manistique EA; Steve Otrenga, Rapid River EA; Andrea Chaney, Carney-Nadeau EA; and Andrea Starzynski, Stephenson ESP. Not pictured is Lynn Thomas, Escanaba EA.

Courtesy photo