Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District, Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, and TBA Credit Union have announced the 2018 Outstanding Educator Award recipients. Listed in alphabetical order:

Julia Barresi – Traverse Bay Area ISD Physical Therapist
Dave Collins – Traverse Bay Area ISD Special Education Teacher
Tara Denherder – TCAPS West Middle School Science Teacher
Joe Esper – TCAPS West Senior High School Principal
Penney Gavigan – Traverse Bay Area ISD Special Education Teacher Assistant
Rick Mathis – Traverse Bay Area ISD Career-Tech Center Welding Instructor
Brenda Meindertsma – TCAPS Central High School English Teacher
Diana Schaefer – Elk Rapids Cherryland Middle School Paraprofessional
Angela Stricker – TCAPS Glenn Loomis Lower Elementary Teacher
Sue Vance – TCAPS Willow Hill Kindergarten Teacher

The recipients have "made exemplary contributions to the academic success of students, educational collaboration, and professional development."

Established by the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce in 1984, the Outstanding Educator Award program is facilitated by Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District in partnership with TBA Credit Union and the Chamber. Each year, nominations are submitted by public, private and parochial school administrators, colleagues, students, parents and community members throughout the five-county Traverse Bay region. Nomination materials are reviewed by a selection committee representative of school and community leaders and scored based on points awarded for demonstrated educational excellence.

An award ceremony to honor those selected will take place on Wed., May 20 at 7pm at the City Opera House and is open to the public.