Shining Star

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.

December Shining Star Recipients

Sarah Godfrey-Williams
First-Grade Teacher
Woodcrest Elementary

Sarah Godfrey-Williams has served as a first-grade teacher at Woodcrest Elementary since 2024. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education from Northern Michigan University.

Godfrey-Williams was nominated by MPS parents and colleagues for creating a warm, safe, and welcoming environment where students feel genuinely valued and supported, both emotionally and academically. Excerpts from their nominations include:

“Ms. Godfrey-Williams is always so calm and inviting. She cares for each of her students and is always willing to meet with parents if they have any questions about their child’s education. My daughter has only good things to say about Ms. Godfrey-Williams and loves her so much.”

“Sarah is incredibly deserving of this award. She is a caring, loving, and inclusive teacher who brings out the best in every student. She is exceptionally patient and creates a classroom environment where all students feel safe, valued, and truly loved.” 

“Sarah’s students thrive academically because she believes in them—and they feel it. Her classroom is warm, welcoming, and open to ALL students.”

“Sarah leads by example every day. Her colleagues look up to her for her kindness, professionalism, and unwavering dedication. We are so lucky to have her!”

Abby Lemmon
Paraprofessional
Siebert Elementary

Abby Lemmon joined MPS as a paraprofessional at Siebert Elementary in 2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and is an alumnus of H.H. Dow High School.

Lemmon was nominated by MPS parents and colleagues for offering a patient, student-centered approach to the student in her care, radiating positivity and kindness that has made an impact on everyone around her.

“Abby goes above and beyond every day. She is assigned to support one student, but does so much more! She looks for opportunities to support every student in the classroom.”

“Abby is dedicated to helping her student achieve her academic IEP goals, researching new ways to approach learning when traditional techniques aren’t working. She advocates for students, making sure they receive what they need to be successful.”

“My daughter has Down Syndrome, and Abby supports her in the classroom. Abby’s commitment to understanding my daughter’s strengths, challenges, and learning style has made an extraordinary difference in my daughter’s growth and confidence. Her individualized support allows my daughter to thrive, while also contributing to the entire classroom environment. Abby’s patience, dedication, and genuine care shine through in everything she does. She is truly deserving of this recognition, and we are deeply grateful for her impact on my daughter and our school community.”