Janice Smith named Educator of the Year!

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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.

Janice Smith is this year's Educator of the Year!

DETROIT, Mich. — Janice Smith is this year's Excellence in Education: Educator of the Year!

Janice was personally congratulated in a video by Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II in recognition for her services to her students.

Gilchrist said, "As a Detroiter and the Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, on behalf of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and on behalf of the entire state of Michigan, we thank you so much."

“I was super excited, stunned, amazed,” Janice reflected on when she received news of the award. “If you treat all kids like they're your child, they are going to get the best, right?”

Janice has received $10,000 from the Michigan Lottery for being this year's Excellence in Education: Educator of the Year.

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