ESCANABA – The Michigan Education Association’s Outstanding Persons in Education (OPIE) awards were recently given to 17 area teachers and support professionals at a banquet the Highland Golf Course. This event, co-sponsored by the Michigan Education Association 17B Coordinating Council (local MEA Union affiliate) and MESSA, honors outstanding individuals in their profession as chosen by their peers.

The OPIE awards are held annually and are in their 24th year. The 2026 honorees are:

Nancy Prica, Bark River-Harris EA

Shelly Lippens, Bark River-Harris ESP

Ron Pearson, Bay College Faculty Association

Danielle Segerstrom, Big Bay de Noc EA

Katie Wood, Big Bay de Noc ESP

Leanne Cockrell, Delta-Schoolcraft ISD EA

Mary Lou Lund, Delta-Schoolcraft ISD ESP

Laura Robinson, Escanaba EA

Roberta LaFave, Escanaba ESP

Melissa Egner, Gladstone EA

Travis Ashbrook, Manistique EA

Kay MacGregor, Manistique ESP

Kristina Fitch, Menominee ISD EA

Brenda Cole, Menominee City EA

Vicki Snyder, North Central EA

Kelli Anderson, Rapid River EA

Maryann Havelka, Stephenson EA