A Mason County educator whose career has spanned more than 50 years has been honored with an Excellence In Education award from the Michigan Lottery.
The award winner, Mark Boon, is an at-risk specialist at Ludington High School. The school is part of Ludington Area 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 Boon will air this evening.
Boon said his high school experience impacted him and led him to be an educator.
“When I was in school, I really respected and appreciated my teachers and all they did for us as students. I have tried to have that same impact on my students, and hope that I have been a positive influence in their lives.”
Boon says he enjoys giving back to the community with his students.
“Each year, we work on a variety of community service projects and those are my favorite things to do with my students. It teaches them to give back to others and shows what an impact a small group can have on a bigger community.”
Boon was nominated for the award by a family member.
“Mr. Boon has been a teacher, counselor, principal, and driver’s education teacher. He has been working in education for 50 years. He also works for the Mason County court system with the juvenile department, overseeing community service. He goes above and beyond for the entire community with his charity work. He donates his time and money to delivering meals to those that are in need. Mr. Boon is 72 years old, married, has a farm, and still works endless hours every week at the school and in the community. He also works at the high school sporting events and their dances. He is remarkable and loved by the entire community. He has an incredible heart and is extremely humble.”
Boon earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. He has been an educator for 50 years, the last 15 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.
