Dearborn Heights Montessori Center Honors 2013 Graduates

Submitted by Margaret Blohm

Dearborn Heights Montessori Center (DHMC) recently honored 16 graduates of its 2013 middle school program. A formal ceremony was held to recognize DHMC’s 25th graduating class.

This year’s ceremony also gave special recognition to teacher Ann DeVore, who retired following a distinguished career. DeVore played an integral role in the planning and development of DHMC’s middle school program and was also involved in the construction plans for the program’s space which was completed in 2000.

During her career with DHMC, DeVore won multiple educator awards following nominations by parents or former students. In 2007 and 2008, she received the Divine Child High School Gold Star Award after being nominated by students in the freshmen class. In 2012, DeVore won a top teacher award from Metro Parent and the Butler-Cooley Excellence in Teaching Award.

DHMC’s middle school program includes a variety of service activities in the classroom and in the community. At the graduation ceremony, each student received recognition for their participation in service activities. Opportunities for service include peer mediation, reading to younger students, assisting with office projects, visiting senior citizens, operating the school’s hot lunch and recycling programs, and collecting donations of food and clothing to benefit those in need in local communities.

DHMC also sets a high standard for students to serve as role models for younger children and demonstrate generosity of spirit, responsibility for others, teamwork, leadership, dependability, courtesy, and grace under pressure—building the foundation for a life of good citizenship.

“We are extremely proud of our graduates and dedicated teachers," said Kay Neff, DHMC’s founder. “Because of the strong foundation students receive in academics, the arts and community service, they are well received by the leading area high schools. Each of our graduates attends the high school of his or her choice.”

Dearborn Heights Montessori Center’s eighth grade graduates include Dearborn Heights residents Nahla Hammoud and Yasmine Choucair; Sarah Rochefort, Dearborn; Balgis Fhasan, Dearborn Heights; Kelsea Kernosek, Plymouth; Maeve McMaster, Cole Stockinger and Ian Kovach of Canton; Adam Abdullah and Rashed Haimour of Dearborn; Cameron Kabacinski, Dearborn Heights; James Kosiba, Belleville; Kennedy Kubica, Northville; Ian Hatch, Westland; Ryan Mondalek and Ibrahim Harb of Dearborn.