Shining Stars are staff who go above and beyond to make our school district a better place for students and their fellow coworkers. Awards are presented each month during the school year at Board of Education meetings. Winners are also shared on MPS social media channels and in the Forward Together community newsletter.
Nominations are open to students, parents/guardians, community members, and fellow staff members.
To nominate an employee, please complete the online nomination form below.
Hilarie Huschke English Teacher Northeast Middle School
Hilarie Huschke joined the MPS team in 2011 as a theater teacher at Central Middle School, then transitioned to her current position as an English teacher at Northeast Middle School. She also served as head drama coach for several years at Northeast. She was nominated by students and colleagues for her kindness, humor, and commitment to creating a fun, welcoming learning environment for students and staff. Excerpts from their nominations include:
“Ms. Huschke is genuinely kind to all students and teachers, and her sense of humor makes us laugh all the time.”
“Hilarie cares deeply about Northeast students and staff and supports the positive culture we are cultivating. Recently, she began cohosting the daily announcements with the principal and serves as the DJ, selecting positive, uplifting music to add to the fun. Her goal in participating in the announcements was to take something good and make it better, which is what she strives for in everything she does.”
“Hilarie regularly collaborates with colleagues to ensure there is consistency for all Northeast students. This extends to all aspects of instruction, including student assessment, data collection, and curriculum development. Students in Hilarie’s classes understand the regular routines and procedures for self-assessment. Students are expected to actively engage and participate on a daily basis, which ensures that each and every student in the classroom is learning. Her classroom is a relaxed, fun learning environment that is inviting to students, and she makes real-world connections to the content being taught.”
Paul Hoisington Bus Driver Transportation Department
Paul Hoisington joined the MPS team in 2020 as a substitute bus driver, then transitioned to a part-time driver position and eventually to his current role as a full-time driver. He also works with the Grounds and Maintenance department during the summer months. Paul was nominated by MPS colleagues for his compassion, reliability, and dedication to student safety, creating a warm, trusting environment where every student feels valued and cared for on their daily bus ride.
“Paul is a caring and compassionate bus driver because he consistently prioritizes the well-being of his students. He takes the time to know each child’s name and individual needs, ensuring they feel valued and safe during their commute. Paul actively listens to their concerns, whether it’s a difficult day at school or a personal issue, and responds with empathy and understanding. His patience and dedication create a nurturing environment, fostering trust and respect among his students, making him an invaluable presence in their daily lives.”
“Paul exemplifies the values of MPS through his unwavering commitment to student safety and his exceptional professional relationships with staff and the public.”
“Paul has been a driver with MPS for almost 5 years now. At this time, he has a Special Needs route, and we in the office receive great feedback from his paraprofessional and the parents of the students about how nice and welcoming he is. Paul is very reliable, and we can always count on him to be here to do his route. His calming nature and attitude provide his students with a sense of security while riding the bus. He ensures that students start and end their day with a warm and friendly face. Safety, kindness, and warm greetings are what Paul is all about. We here in the office are thankful and proud that he is one of our drivers.”
February 16, 2026 - Midland Public Schools (MPS) is proud to announce the February recipients of its Shining Stars staff recognition: Juvenile Justice Center teacher Wendy Thomas and Jefferson Middle School Building Manager Anthony Tolles. Awards were presented at the MPS Board of Education meeting on Monday, February 16.
At its October 2025 Board meeting, MPS recognized Midland High teacher and coach Andrew Plude and Central Park Elementary paraprofessional Kristine Rang as Shining Stars.
