Excellence in Education: Kathy Kumpula

By Gabriel Rogers

Gabriel Rogers joined FOX 17 in January 2023 after graduating from Grand Valley State University. He received his B.A. in international relations and German Language with a minor in history in Winter 2022. While studying at GVSU, he became an active member at GVTV - the university's student-run television station. There, he was introduced to the world of broadcast journalism and storytelling.

Gabriel has also spent time in Europe; living in Munich, Germany for a year while admitted to the Ludwig Maximilian Universität as a guest student.

His passion for journalism comes from a love of history and international affairs. He also has a love for languages — being proficient in German as well as having studied other languages like Dutch, Pennsylvania German, French, Russian and Italian in the past.

Kathy Kumpula is this week's Excellence in Education award winner!

LAKE LINDEN, Mich. — Kathy Kumpula is being recognized for her Excellence in Education.

"I think anybody in education would make an argument to say that a school's greatest resources are its teachers," says Jack Johnson, Kathy’s nominator, “and Mrs. Kumpula is one of those teachers that is inevitably a huge asset to our district.”

“I just do what I do because I care about the kids. I don't do it for recognition,” says Kathy. “It's just... I care about them, and I want the best for them; I want them all to succeed.”

Kathy has received a $1,500 check from the Michigan Lottery, and her class at Lake Linden-Hubbell Elementary School will receive a $500 grant.

Is there an educator in your community who displays Excellence in Education? Click here to nominate them.

SEE MORE: Excellence in Education nominees wanted

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