Excellence in Education: Tracy Ortiz

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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.

Tracy has received a $1,500 check from the Michigan Lottery, and her class at Clippert Academy will receive a $500 grant.

DETROIT — Tracy Ortiz is being recognized for her Excellence in Education.

“For as long as I have known Tracy, she has been the most passionate and dedicated science teacher that I've ever met,” says Amber Richmond, Ortiz’s nominator.

Tracy's class has a program called STARBASE that has shown to be a major influence on students.

“I had a kid come back to me to tell me that he has a full ride to U of M and he's going to major in astrophysics because of the STARBASE program,” says Tracy. “To have a kid come back to tell you that something that you provided for them to participate in and ... it’s life changing.”

Tracy has received a $1,500 check from the Michigan Lottery, and her class at Clippert Academy 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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