Southwest Detroit Music Teacher Named Exceptional Educator for October

Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, a personal injury law firm serving clients in Michigan, is pleased to announce the Exceptional Educator for October is Mr. Giovanni Calandrino of (COMPÁS) Center of Music & Performing Arts of Southwest Detroit. Mr. Calandrino provides after-school music instruction for young people in the Latinx community. COMPAS received $1000 from Giroux Pappas in honor of Mr. Calandrino.

“I believe it’s important to recognize teachers of all types in our community. We were impressed with Mr. Calandrino’s dedication to the program taking his personal time, after his regular job to work with children in the neighborhood. Next to parents, educators often have the most significant impact on our children.” said Bob Giroux, Attorney and Founding Partner.

Mr. Calandrino started at COMPÁS as an intern, while attending Wayne State University in 2007.  He loved the students so much he joined after the internship was over as an instructor. Through the years Giovanni has taught base, drums, percussion, keyboard, guitar, vocal, just to name a few. He has a full-time job at DTE as Treasury Operations Associate while continuing to provide after school classes that enrich theyoung people of Southwest Detroit, preserving their Latinx heritage through music, dance and art.

ABOUT COMPÁS
The mission of the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest (COMPÁS), is to provide high-quality performing arts training and cultural experiences, with a strong emphasis on youth development. Their programming is dedicated to preserving the rich Latino heritage of Southwest Detroit and celebrating the vibrant diversity of our community through the arts. COMPÁS stands as a unique artistic asset in the city, and particularly in Southwest Detroit

Giroux Pappas created the Exceptional Educator Program and partners with WXYZ to gather nominations for educators in the area that go above and beyond for their students. Giroux Pappas launched the program in January 2022 to give back to the community it serves and has recognized and donated to a teacher each month.

To nominate a teacher who inspires their students and goes out of their way, visit the Exceptional Educator page on the Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys’ website.