Excellence in Education: Winona Tinholt

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.

Winona Tinholt of Wealthy Elementary School is this week's Excellence in Education award winner!

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Winona Tinholt is being recognized for her Excellence in Education.

"She inspires hope. She lights imagination and she instills the love of learning," says [NOMINATOR], Tinholt’s nominator. “East Grand Rapids is really lucky to have her.”

“I've always wanted to be a teacher,” says Winona. “I had this amazing aunt, Alma Stoduma, who taught in my elementary school, and still to this day I'm striving to be a teacher like she was. Even as a young child, I remember thinking, 'Oh, I want to be just like her.'”

Winona has received a $1,500 check from the Michigan Lottery, and her class at Wealthy 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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