Holly, MI — April 12, 2022
Holly Middle School teacher Mackenzie Curl started her day on Thursday, April 7, as she did most days teaching science to her beloved students. By day’s end, she was named 2022 Oakland County Middle School Teacher of the Year.
“On behalf of Holly Area Schools and our Board of Education, district leadership, and staff, I would like to congratulate Mackenzie Curl on this well-deserved honor,” said Scott Roper, Holly Area Schools Superintendent. “Mackenzie is dedicated to helping prepare her students for bright futures and careers and truly represents what Broncho Pride is all about.”
Curl will be honored at the Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 4, at Flagstar Strand Theatre in Pontiac. Holly Area Schools’ nominees for elementary and high school teachers of the year will also be recognized.
“I am truly honored to be recognized as Oakland County Middle School Teacher of the Year during a school year in which teachers at all grade levels have demonstrated courage, creativity, and compassion in serving their students,” Curl said. “Teaching and helping others is my inspiration, and I am grateful to our entire Broncho community for their support.”
Award Presentation
Surprising Curl with the award were Roper, Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Herbstreit, School Board President Leigh Jackson, and Director of Human Resources Patricia Murphy-Alderman. Also joining them were Curl’s husband Eric Curl, who is the Holly Middle School principal, assistant principal Haley Street, and Oakland Schools ISD Communications and Department of Instruction leaders. The Curls’ three children and Mackenzie Curl’s parents rounded out the surprise party.
Mackenzie Curl began teaching science at Holly Middle School in the fall of 2001 and currently teaches eighth-grade science. One colleague’s nomination cited her ability to balance humor with her demand that students focus on the lessons at hand. Curl is known to utilize new evidence-based teaching methods, resources, and technology. At the same time, her hands-on approach to science creates memorable learning experiences for her students.
Student’s Nominations
Curl’s former students frequently cite her ability to listen to and connect with students. One student’s nomination said her compassion for students, passion for learning, and knack for humor make her an exceptional educator who makes a lasting impression on her students.
She also teaches the Girls’ Empowerment Why Try Class, empowering girls with positive relationships. Curl is also a 2022 National Junior Honor Society cosponsor and Ski-Snowboard Club sponsor and has served as department head and a Leader in Me RULER team leader. Curl was previously junior varsity and varsity soccer coach at Holly High School.
The Oakland County Outstanding Teacher of the Year awards are presented annually to elementary, middle, and high school teachers who have achieved the highest standards of excellence in their profession. Each district submits one nominee in the elementary, middle, and high school teacher categories. Winners are selected by a committee comprised of representatives from Oakland Schools, educational reference groups, parent groups, and community members.
