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BERRIEN SPRINGS — Honor Credit Union announced Tuesday its annual Teacher Award winners.

For 15 years, HCU has supported educators with a total of $40,000 awarded to 40 outstanding teachers across its 28 member center communities. Each winning teacher received a $500 digital gift card to enhance their classrooms, reflecting a $5,000 increase from 2023.  

Originally founded as Berrien Teachers Credit Union 90 years ago, Honor continues its mission to give  back, and proudly honors the invaluable contributions teachers make to our communities.  

During a surprise presentation to Monica Luke, a 7th-grade Social Studies teacher at Buchanan Middle School, expressed her gratitude on receiving this award.

“I am grateful. I am humbled,” Luke said. “I am amazed,  because I know that there are so many great projects out there that teachers are trying to do.”  

Honor Credit Union extends its congratulations to all the dedicated educators who make a lasting  impact on their students and communities.  

Listed are the winners from Leader Publications’ coverage area:

Brandywine Community Schools – Melissa Foster

Buchanan Community Schools – Monica Luke

Dowagiac Union Schools – Mikiah Piazza

Niles Community Schools – Katie Filley