Excellence in Education: Sean DeSarbo

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.

Sean DeSarbo is this week's Excellence in Education award winner!

MILAN, Mich. — Sean DeSarbo is being recognized for his Excellence in Education.

"You make many, many lives better," says Makayla, DeSarbo’s nominator. “And one last thing is, you are amazing, so I hope you have a good day!”

“I had a teacher that took the time to pull me aside after class one day and said, 'I know that you're trying and I know that you're feeling frustrated,'” Sean recalls. “Because she took the time to get to know me as an individual and build that relationship with me, she was able to get me the support and the tools I needed to succeed.”

Sean has received a $1,500 check from the Michigan Lottery, and his class at Paddock 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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