NILES — The Niles Education Foundation recognized Howard-Ellis Principal Michelle Asmus Friday night during a Legendary Evening.

The fifth annual dinner and fundraiser took place at Fifty5. Those who attended had the chance to sample food donated by local businesses, listen to a live DJ and more. The dinner raised about $20,100 for the foundation, which gives money back to the Niles Community School District through grants, scholarships and other teacher suggested projects.

This year, the Niles Education Foundation sought to recognize a Niles graduate who meets the criteria of “making a difference.”

During a speech to the crowd, Peg Maiers, the chairman for the Niles Education Foundation, explained Asmus’ clear passion for education.

She described one instance where a local foster care child who was placed in the Niles Community Schools District often struggled with emotional problems and Asmus took the time to try and coach the student. When it was clear that the child needed additional help at a facility in Lansing, Asmus visited him and even brought along a Michigan State mascot one time to cheer him up.

“It is this kind of action that demonstrates her heart,” Maiers said.

She went on to say that Asmus is also currently mentoring fifth-grade girls who exhibit leadership qualities and teaching them how to set goals, boost self-esteem and avoid “clique” behavior.

There were numerous other efforts that Asmus completes outside of her career that made her a worthy “making a difference” in the community honoree, Maiers said. Some of those efforts include volunteering as a camp counselor for Michiana Christian Embassy, coordinating Daffodil Days to raise money for the American Cancer Society and volunteering as a greeter at Summit Christian Church.

For her part, Asmus said while she felt honored to receive the recognition, bettering her community is her true passion. 

“I do what I do because I love it,” Asmus said. “I don’t do it to be recognized.” 

Growing up, Asmus said Niles teachers inspired her to pick a career in the education field. She recalled a moment when she was a new student at Ballard Elementary and the principal knew her name. She said moments like this continue to inspire her to help students feel like they stand out from the crowd.

“[That passion] truly came from me teachers encouraging me and inspiring me,” Asmus said.

Asmus is a graduate of Niles High School and went on to attend Michigan State University and Bowling Green State University where she received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and her master’s in educational leadership from Indiana University South Bend.

She taught elementary school in Toledo, Ohio, before a call from a Niles teacher suggesting her for a job brought her back to the area. 

Asmus said she hoped to emphasize Friday all she loved about her Niles community.

“My speech tonight will be about Niles and what are the great things that Niles has to offer,” Asmus said. “We need to have those on the tips of our tongues to be able to express those and just spread the word, because it is a wonderful community.”