Novi's Teacher Of The Year Has Special Connection With Robby Heil

NOVI, MI – If not for Jodie Sikaitis, Novi High senior Robby Heil might not have scored one of the most famous touchdowns in Michigan prep football history. Together, the special education teacher and student came up with the idea of Heil working as a hydration engineer for several Wildcats’ teams a few years ago.

Heil, who has Down syndrome, realized a dream last fall when he suited up for Novi and scored a touchdown against South Lyon East. While everyone cheered Robby that evening, including his teacher, it was Sikaitis’ turn to be lauded Monday, as she was named the district’s teacher of year.

“I feel happy for Mrs. Sikaitias’ award,’’ Heil told the Detroit Free Press. “She’s my favorite. She’s an amazing, wonderful person. I love her.’’

The Novi Educational Foundation presented Sikaitis with the award Monday in a surprise ceremony at Novi High. The Suburban Collection gave Sikaitis, a 23-year veteran of the district, a free vehicle lease as part of the festivities.

“Our program of rewarding outstanding teachers is our way of showing gratitude to the dedicated individuals who contribute so much to the development of our children,” said David Fischer, Jr., general manager of The Suburban Collection. “We feel very fortunate that our organization has been able to provide a special thank you for the past 15 years for the exemplary efforts of teachers in the communities in which we do business.”

Sikaitis, 47, is the fourth Novi High School teacher – the first in six years – to receive this honor.

"Every time I walk into her room I get chills by watching how she interacts with our students,” Novi High Principal Nicole Carter told the Detroit Free Press. “She has always been a role model to staff in regards to how she is able to make them smile."

Novi Community Schools Superintendent Steve Matthews agreed. “She uses her knowledge and skills to enhance student learning and growth at Novi High School,” he said. “Jodie engages and challenges them to reach their goals and she genuinely cares about her students. There’s a glimpse of the magic that goes on in her classroom. Jodie is impeccable with the relationships in the classroom, in her school, in our district, and our community at large.”

Teachers are nominated at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. This year’s other nominees were Nancy Moore, an eighth-grade teacher from Novi Middle School, and Diane Garbooshian, a fourth-grade teacher at Parkview Elementary School. The Novi Educational Foundation executive board completed a second review of the applications, solicited additional feedback from parents, students, and the community, and then made the difficult decision.

“Novi Community School District is filled with so many wonderful, enthusiastic teachers that selecting just one of these teachers for the Novi Educational Foundation/Suburban Collection Teacher of the Year is very challenging,” said Tom Smith, NEF chairman. “This award allows us to bring recognition to the high caliber of teaching professionals within the Novi Community School District and the leadership they demonstrate each day in the classroom.”

Past Novi Teacher Of The Year Recipients:

• 2016: Sarah David, Novi Middle School
• 2015: Sherry Griesinger, Deerfield Elementary
• 2014: Jennifer Smith, Village Oaks Elementary
• 2013: Katie Ammons, Novi Middle School
• 2012: Kerry Kowalczyk, Parkview Elementary
• 2011: Lydia Cadena, Novi High School
• 2010: Joann Kefalas, Novi Middle School
• 2009: Nancy Bain, Novi Woods Elementary
• 2008: Barb Clift, Novi High School
• 2007: Lisa LaPorte, Novi Meadows
• 2006: Jim Hanson, Novi High School
• 2005: Scott Hill, Parkview Elementary
• 2004: Frank Rayburn, Novi Middle School
• 2003: Terry Garcia, Novi Meadows

Photo courtesy of the Novi Community School District