Holly Area Schools staff recognized for dedication to preparing Bronchos for success, careers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
CONTACT: Christopher Behnan, Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, (248) 767-4377
Holly Area Schools staff recognized for dedication to preparing Bronchos for success, careers
‘Show of Thankfulness, Appreciation and Respect’ (S.T.A.R.) Awards honor staff for going above and beyond for Bronchos
HOLLY, Mich. — This year’s Show of Thankfulness, Appreciation and Respect (S.T.A.R.) Awards highlight outstanding Holly Area Schools teachers, support staff and other employees who have gone above and beyond to provide a safe, welcoming learning environment that helps prepare all Bronchos for success and careers.
The Holly Area Schools Board of Education announced the S.T.A.R. Awards at a May board meeting following a reception for the recipients and their families that included appetizers,
refreshments and photos.
Outstanding Teacher of the Year award winners for the 2025-2026 school year include:
- Anna Hunt - Holly High School
- Victoria Skubik - Holly Middle School
- Julianne Strong - Davisburg Elementary
- Lesley Shepherd - Holly Elementary
- Sara Wheaton - Patterson Elementary
- Ashley Szokola - Rose Pioneer Elementary
Outstanding Support Staff award winners for the 2025-2026 school year include:
- Tim Birdsall - custodial/maintenance
- Lorey Steele - early childhood
- Rachel Bullock - food service
- Kathie Sagert - administrative assistant
- Denise Woolley - paraprofessional
- Lorena Doshen - transportation
Oakland Schools’ Teacher of the Year awards go to:
- Anna Hunt - Holly High School
- Victoria Skubik - Holly Middle School
- Julianne Strong - Davisburg Elementary
Additional recognitions include:
- Matt Parker - Holly High School math teacher, winner of the Donna & Walt Young Honors College at Oakland University Teacher Excellence Award
- Denise Woolley - Holly High School paraprofessional, winner of the Outstanding Person in Education by the Holly Education Association
- Kathy Brownfield - bus driver, winner of the Oakland County Excellence in Transportation Award
- Bob Lissner – bus driver, winner of the Oakland County Excellence in Transportation Award
“Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners — and all of our amazing Broncho staff members —for their unparalleled commitment to the success of our students and serving our Holly Area Schools community,” said Superintendent Scott Roper. “I am honored to work alongside such an incredible staff who truly go above and beyond in providing a learning environment where all students can learn, grow and thrive.”
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Learn more about Holly Area Schools by visiting www.hask12.org, or visit us on Facebook.
2025-2026 Holly Area Schools S.T.A.R. Award winners:
Front, left to right: Lesley Shepherd, Rachel Bullock, Ashley Szokola, Kathie Sagert, Denise Woolley, Lorey Steele, Sara Wheaton and Anna Hunt
Back, left to right: Kathy Brownfield, Bob Lissner, Julianne Strong, Lorena Doshen, Matt Parker, Victoria Skubik and Tim Birdsall