Building Stronger Communities Together

Our teachers should be recognized more often for their hard work and commitment to making a difference in their students' lives. Highline invites you to nominate someone you feel deserves to be recognized as a Teacher of the Month. Winning teachers will receive a gift card.

This month we are honoring Junior High Math instructor, Brad Ives, from Bark River-Harris School in Harris Michigan. Mr. Ives has taught for 11 years. Starting as a third-grade teacher and transitioned 7 years later into teaching Junior High math.
His favorite part of teaching is making an impact with kids, teaching them by hanging out with them, learning from them, and making a difference in their lives. The most difficult part of teaching is to get the kids to buy in and engage in wanting to learn. He uses creative ways to get them to engage in what they are learning by using a variety of approaches giving them a little bit of choice while working on something making it relatable to them in what they like in life and incorporating that into math.

Mick Reynolds, former math teacher and now band instructor inspired Brad to choose a career in education. He had an impact on him not as his math teacher but just in life and he enjoyed that so much he wanted to follow a similar path.
Mr. Ives would like to tell those thinking about a career in education, it’s a field where it’s different every day that has its challenges but also has its rewards. You’re helping to shape the future so it’s a good job choice.

Outside of school you will find him spending time with his family, watching his son’s hockey, coaching basketball, and watching sports. He enjoys spending time outdoors and learning how to fish with his kids and going to camp.

Mr. Ives, THANK YOU for choosing a career in education to shape the future of the next generations. Please tell a teacher “Thank you” and please tell Mr. Ives THANK YOU, for his dedication to his Students at Bark River-Harris School.

Please help us celebrate our Teacher of the Month from Rudyard Elementary School, Jessica Krueger! Jessica began her teaching journey in Western Michigan in 2013 and moved to the UP about 10 years ago. Now in her 9th year at Rudyard, this year marks an exciting new chapter as her first year teaching elementary science to the entire school! When asked what she loves most about her job, she said, "building meaningful relationships with students and getting to work with every kid in the building each day." Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with her family. Thank you for the passion, dedication, and care you bring to Rudyard’s students every day. They are lucky to have you!
 

We're excited to recognize Mrs. Charlee English as our December Teacher of the Month- also to celebrate her as our 1,500th customer in Upson County!

Charlee was nominated for her incredible dedication and hard work in her role every single day. We are honored to celebrate an educator who makes such a meaningful impact on our students and community. Congratulations, and thank you for all you do!

Get those nominations ready for 2026!

Our first responders should be recognized for their dedication and commitment to public safety in our communities. Highline invites you to nominate someone you feel deserves to be recognized as a First Responder of the Month. Winning nominees will receive a gift card.

Congratulations to Kaleb Powell, EUP’s First Responder of the Month!

Originally from Southwest Michigan, Officer Powell joined Manistique Public Safety as a sworn officer in August 2022. With a strong background in Fire and EMS since 2014, he’s passionate about serving the community. 
Before joining MPS, he worked with Columbus Fire in McMillan and served as a Cardiac Rehab Coordinator at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital, where he also completed his EMT certification. He has always enjoyed helping others.
Off duty, he’s all about family. He and his wife enjoy disc golfing, biking, and spending quality time with their two young children. 

We appreciate your commitment to ensuring the safety of our communities. Thank you, Officer Powell!