Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli (left), presenting Matt McLouth (right) with his Excellence in Education check

A Van Buren County educator known for innovative leadership and an unparalleled dedication to the students and community, has been honored with an Excellence In Education award from the Michigan Lottery.

The award winner, Matt McLouth, is a principal with the Decatur 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 $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of the weekly award winners will be selected to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award 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, WNEM-TV in Saginaw, and WWTV-TV in Traverse City. The news segment featuring McLouth will air this evening.

“Matt McLouth’s exceptional resilience and adaptability, especially in the face of challenging circumstances is a shining example of strong leadership for his students,” said Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli. “As the building leader, his willingness to seek out students and build relationships has helped strengthen the school community and make him a perfect candidate for the Excellence in Education award.”

McLouth says the thought of making a difference in people’s lives led him to pursue a career as an educator.

“I wanted to pursue a career in which I could make a difference in people’s lives. I had some positive experiences working with kids and thought teaching would be a perfect fit. Over the years I was fortunate to grow into a leadership role.”

McLouth was nominated for the award by the district’s superintendent.

“Matt McLouth stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of education, exemplifying unwavering commitment, innovative leadership, and an unparalleled dedication to the students and community of Decatur Jr. Sr. High School. His extraordinary contributions to the field make him a deserving candidate for the Michigan Lottery Excellence in Education award. Matt’s visionary leadership has transformed Decatur Jr. Sr. High School into a hub of educational innovation. Under his guidance, the school has embraced progressive teaching methodologies and cutting-edge technology to provide students with a 21st-century learning experience. Matt’s focus has always been on the students. He has tirelessly worked to create an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels empowered to thrive. His initiatives have led to increased student engagement, improved academic performance, and a positive school culture. Beyond the school walls, Matt has fostered strong ties between the school and the community. His outreach programs have not only increased parental involvement but have also opened avenues for collaborative partnerships with local businesses and organizations, enriching the overall educational experience. Matt’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in the remarkable achievements of Decatur Jr. Sr. High School under his leadership. Whether it be improved standardized test scores, increased graduation rates, or the implementation of advanced placement programs, the school has consistently excelled under his guidance.”

McLouth earned a bachelor’s degree from Hope College and a master’s degree Western Michigan University. He has worked in education for 28 years, the last 11 in his current position.

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.