– 2020 Employee Award – Michelle Gillis

Gillis, a first-grade teacher at Houghton Elementary School, retired in 2020 after more than 30 years with the district.

Students were always excited to come to class, said Trustee Scott Leonard, who presented the award. Former students and even adults stopped by the classroom for positivity and encouragement.

“On top of all this, students were performing at the highest levels and all students always made great gains in academics,” Leonard said. “When you are in Mrs. Gillis’ class, you know you are in the presence of something special, like watching Michael Jordan play basketball.”

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Houghton-Portage Township Schools honored the 2020 and 2021 recipients of Copper Country Association of School Boards awards Monday night. Pictured are (from left to right): Trustee Rob Fay with Nathan Erva.

– 2020 School Service Award – Kathy Lund

Lund came to the district in 2006, first working in food service before transitioning to supporting students at the elementary and now middle school level. She has been head coach of the high school robotics team since 2016.

“Kathy demands that students treat each other with respect and that they try their best,” Vice President Amanda Massaway said. “You can always count on Kathy to have a smile on her face and a positive attitude no matter what job needs to be done.”

– 2020 Student Leadership Award – Meredith Raasio

Raasio, a 2020 Houghton High School graduate, is the daughter of Andrea and Christopher Raasio. She took part in a number of clubs and held leadership positions while at Houghton, including being an active member of the Environmental Club, the National Honor Society vice president, senior class secretary and chair of the Key Club’s Salvation Army Committee. She also played music frequently in the community, including violin and viola for the Keweenaw Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Houghton-Portage Township Schools honored the 2020 and 2021 recipients of Copper Country Association of School Boards awards Monday night. Pictured are from left to right): Vice President Amanda Massaway with Kathy Lund.

“Meredith has demonstrated what it means to be a true role model and leader,” Trustee Brad Baltensperger said. “She frequently sought out opportunities to mentor and support young Gremlin students and teammates, demonstrating a true understanding of what it means to have Gremlin GRIT.”

– 2020 Educational Leadership Award – Simple Kindness for Youth (SKY)

SKY started in 2009 as a grassroots effort, and became a registered nonprofit the following year. SKY members have sponsored numerous fundraising events and have given out more than $100,000 in grants to benefit children in Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw counties.

SKY has given grants of up to $200 per school year for children, including for books, laptops, winter clothes and materials for special classes such as welding.

“SKY Board members are unpaid volunteers,” the district award reads. “Their mission is to help young people build and maintain their self-esteem by providing means to access basic needs, enable them to feel accepted with their peers, and enable access to educational activities and community participation.”

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette Houghton-Portage Township Schools honored the 2020 and 2021 recipients of Copper Country Association of School Boards awards Monday night. Pictured are (from left to right): Meredith Raasio with Trustee Brad Baltensperger.

– 2021 School Service Award – Shelby Turnquist

Turnquist, food service director for Houghton-Portage Township Schools, has spent 26 years with the district. When in-person education shut down last spring because of COVID, Turnquist led the work to continue providing meals for hundreds of students and families in the community. She also applied for grants that enabled the district to receive milk and fresh fruits and vegetables for the take-home meals.

“Shelby will not let a child go hungry, and will do whatever it takes to make sure that food is available,” said Trustee Brent Burns.

– 2021 Student Leadership Award – Nathan Erva

Erva, a senior at Houghton High School, is the son of Jason and Kelly Erva. Erva served three years on the Student Council, including two years as president, and also served as president of Interact Club. He served in numerous other groups, including the National Honors Society and Business Professionals of America.

“As captain, Nathan chose to lead his peers and teammates through positive example, demonstrating Gremlin GRIT on a daily basis in our school, in the athletic arena and out in our community,” said Treasurer Rob Fay.

– 2021 Employee Award – John Christianson

Christianson is retiring this spring after 38 years with the district. He joined as a student teacher in 1975 teaching chemistry and Algebra II before filling a one-year sabbatical. After seven years with Dollar Bay, he came back to teach chemistry and physics. In 1990, he began coaching girls’ volleyball, which he has continued for 31 years. He will also be this year’s commencement speaker.

“We would like to thank him for his hard work, dedication and devotion to teaching chemistry to our students,” Board President Nels Christopherson said. “His passion and enthusiasm truly make him an employee and our school a better place.”