MARQUETTE — Groundbreaking and innovative; those were words used to describe this year’s crop of top teachers in Marquette Area Public Schools.

But before the Teacher of the Year was honored at today’s Board of Education meeting, this year’s retirees were honored. As six of Marquette’s longest tenured classroom leaders were rewarded for their efforts.

“First, our retirees, (we) always want to give them the utmost respect for a long and distinguished career here at Marquette Area Public Schools. So we celebrate their retirement tonight,” said MAPS superintendent, Bill Saunders.

And after every retiree received their bell came Teacher of the Year presentations. Through a nomination process, it was decided Erin Donovan, a third grade teacher, would take home this year’s award.

Said Saunders, “These are really exceptional teachers; groundbreaking in some of the things that they do. Always innovative; certainly well respected; great educators; student achievement; curriculum. Experts in all those areas that they bring forward.”

The meeting was a positive way to cap off another school year in Marquette.