A Clinton County educator known for going above and beyond the call of duty daily has been honored with an Excellence In Education award from the Michigan Lottery.
The award winner, Cary Bashore, is a math, psychology, and health teacher at Pewamo-Westphalia Middle School/High School. The school is part of Pewamo-Westphalia Public Schools.
The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence In Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year.
Winners of the weekly award receive a plaque, a $1,500 cash prize, and a $500 grant to their classroom, school, or school district. One of the weekly winners will be selected as the Educator of the Year and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
Each winner also is featured in a news segment on the Lottery’s media partner stations: WXYZ-TV in Detroit, FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, FOX 47 in Lansing, and WNEM-TV in Saginaw. The news segment featuring Bashore will air this evening.
Bashore said he was drawn to a career in education to fulfill his dream of becoming a head football coach.
“I became an educator to fulfill my dream of becoming a head football coach. After 16 years, I walked away from coaching to focus my energy into my classroom.”
Bashore’s favorite thing about being a teacher is laughing with his students and seeing them engage.
“I enjoy laughing with my students the most. Seeing them smile, engage, and spark is so rewarding. My students energize me and drive me to keep going.”
The principal of Pewamo-Westphalia Middle School/High School nominated Bashore for the award. The nomination cited the impact he has on students, staff, and the community, and how he goes above and beyond the call of duty daily.
“Mr. Cary Bashore is the most passionate, faithful, enthusiastic, and committed educator I have ever witnessed. A 38-year veteran of Pewamo-Westphalia schools, Mr. Bashore has done everything from coaching our football and basketball programs, to being our driver’s ed instructor, campus grounds worker, student council advisor, organizing all our dances and assemblies, and teaching our AP calculus, AP psychology, precalculus, and life-fitness courses. Nobody has put in as much extra time and effort into our school district than Coach Bashore.
“He is recognized by our alumni base as a legendary educator, seen as a mentor for many of our current students, and looked to as a leader among our staff. From academics to athletics and from social to spiritual growth, Mr. Bashore is the exemplar of our champions’ culture. He has had an indelible impact on our students, staff, and community by consistently going above and beyond the call of duty daily over the past four decades.”
Bashore earned a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and master’s degree from Michigan State University. He has been an educator for 38 years, all with Pewamo-Westphalia Middle School/High School.
Excellence in Education award nominees are evaluated on the following criteria:
- Excellence – Their work consistently helps students and/or their schools or school districts advance to higher levels of academic achievement.
- Dedication – They consistently go above and beyond expectations to help students succeed.
- Inspiration – Their work inspires others around them to exceed expectations either academically or professionally.
- Leadership – They demonstrate clear leadership skills in their positions with their school or school districts.
- Effectiveness – The nominee’s work has clear and positive results on the educational advancement of students within the school or school district.
