Michigan Lottery Connect

Lottery Commissioner, Suzanna Shkreli (left), presenting Kelly Seidl (right) with her Excellence in Education check

A Lenawee County educator who goes the extra mile for her students in and out of the classroom has been honored with an Excellence In Education award from the Michigan Lottery.

The award winner, Kelly Seidl, is a second-grade teacher at Blissfield Elementary School. The school is part of the Blissfield Community 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 Seidl will air this evening.

“Kelly Seidl exemplifies what it means to be an excellent educator. She is dedicated to her students in and out of the classroom and shows up for them not only when it comes to their education, but in their extracurricular activities and personal lives as well,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “She is the type of educator who ensures her students have what they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives, which leaves a lasting impact on all students whose lives she’s touched.”

Seidl was drawn to a career as an educator because of her love for children and learning.

“I discovered that my love of children drew me to teaching and that my own love of learning made me passionate about teaching. I entered the profession because I was eager to make a difference — people tend to remember their teachers for an entire lifetime, long after school is over. Others are often inspired by a teacher early in their education like I was, and I know that my teacher made a positive impact on me. I hope that I am seen as a leader, a mentor, or even a surrogate parental figure at times. I want to make a difference in the lives of children.”

Seidl was nominated for the award by a parent of a former student.

“Kelly Seidl is not just a teacher; she’s a superhero in the classroom! Her passion for teaching is contagious — she brings so much energy and creativity to every lesson. Kelly goes the extra mile for her students, always finding new ways to make learning fun and exciting. What really sets Kelly apart is how she treats her students like family. She cares deeply about each one, making sure they feel supported and valued every step of the way. It’s not just about academics with Kelly; she’s there for their emotional well-being too, cheering them on through challenges and celebrating their successes like a proud parent. Kelly’s dedication is unmatched. She spends endless hours planning lessons, staying late to help students who need extra support, and even showing up to their games and performances. Her commitment to their success is truly inspiring. Thanks to Kelly, her students don’t just learn — they thrive. She sets high standards and believes in their potential, pushing them to do their best while providing the encouragement they need to believe in themselves. In our community, Kelly is a beacon of positivity and excellence. She’s not just shaping minds; she’s shaping futures. Her impact goes beyond the classroom, leaving a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her. Kelly Seidl embodies everything that makes a teacher extraordinary — passion, dedication, and a heart of gold.”

Seidl earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. She has been an educator for 29 years, the last 26 in her 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.