An Ithaca Public Schools teacher and a student have been recognized for their respective achievements.
Ithaca High School teacher Adam Lincoln was named “Teacher of the Year” by the Michigan Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year, while Ithaca High School student Alex VanDeWeghe was named “Student of the Year”.
Notice that Lincoln won the award came from Tim Lambrecht, an Ithaca High School teacher who nominated Lincoln; separate from Lambrecht’s nomination, two other teachers there also nominated him.
“It’s very humbling to be nominated for teacher of the year because there are so many teachers out there that do wonderful things,” said Lincoln; it was his first time being nominated. “To be singled out, it’s very special to me and I very much appreciate that I’ve been thought of in that way.”
The awards were announced and given out at a Michigan Council for the Social Studies state conference in Utica.
Lincoln has taught social studies in both Ithaca and Cadillac for the past 15 years, according to Lambrecht’s nomination letter.
“During that time, he has not only been an outstanding practitioner, he has also introduced innovative and new classes,” Lambrecht wrote. “His commitment to providing amazing social studies experiences to his students extends beyond the regular class schedule.”
Lincoln has been Lambrecht’s assistant model United Nations coach, and the junior Model U.N. coach, for the past eight years.
He is also an executive board member of the Michigan Council for the Social Studies and its webmaster.
In nominating VanDeWeghe, Lambrecht cited his interest current events and world affairs, along with his participation in the Model U.N.
“Already as a junior, Alex has already established himself as the best in school history, being named League MVP the past two years and leading his team to the overall best delegation both years,” Lambrecht wrote.
VanDeWeghe is also a track and field athlete at the school; he recently participated in the New Balance Indoor nationals track meet in shot put and weight throw, according to Lambrecht.
“It feels like an honor to get an award like that,” VanDeWeghe said. “It’s just great to get some recognition for all the activities you’re involved in.”