LANSING, Mich., Dec. 2, 2025 – A Barry County educator who is known for her dedication to her students has been honored with an Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery. The award winner, Nicole Shipley, is an elementary special education teacher at Page Elementary in Middleville, one of the Thornapple Kellogg Schools.
The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year.
Winners of the weekly award receive a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of the weekly award winners will be selected to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
Shipley was nominated for the award by the family of a former student.
“Ms. Shipley embodies the heart of teaching: selfless, compassionate, and devoted to the success of every student,” said Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli. “She goes beyond the classroom, tailoring learning to each child’s needs and investing her own time, creativity, and care to ensure they thrive. Her commitment to building lasting relationships with her students and families makes her an inspiration.”
Shipley said she wanted to pursue a career in education for as long as she can remember.
