Congratulations to Michael Craig, Drew Horticulture Program, Detroit Community District

Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, a personal injury law firm serving clients in Michigan is pleased to announce the Exceptional Educator for March is Michael Craig, Director of the Drew Horticulture Program. (Watch Video)

Michael Craig is a nationally recognized educator and director of The Drew Horticulture Program, Detroit Public Schools Community District – and does it with a great deal of passion. He provides vocational horticulture skills to special needs students ages 18-26 with the goal of possible employment and a positive future for them. His passion, commitment, and creativity have brought this program to life and helped them achieve national recognition. (Learn More About the Program: Watch Video)

“We started this program to support our community and recognize the incredible efforts by Educators like Michael Craig.  We see educators giving back every day and want to honor their immense contribution to our community. In our schools, extra-curricular activities, and churches, there are people really making a difference in our children’s lives.” said Bob Giroux, Managing Partner.

A Program with Deep and Productive Roots Heads Vertical!

It is through the continued work of Michael Craig, along with fellow teachers, school administration, and district leaders, that we can safely say that the Drew Horticulture Program is not only the largest Farm the School/Table program in the country but is widely considered to be the model for the nation in school-based horticulture programs.

Due to the vision of Michael Craig and the progression of these initiatives, they are currently collaborating with a new partner, Vertical Harvest, in what will be the pinnacle of their program’s existence. Vertical Harvest (Jackson Hole, WY, Westbrook, ME (coming to Detroit in 2025)) is an organization that produces hydroponic food products for high-end restaurants whose business model incorporates special needs individuals as 40% of their workforce. In collaboration with Vertical Harvest, the Drew Horticulture Program will be the training ground for its Detroit location coming in 2025. With many of the actual skills being currently incorporated in their program, this is a natural step for the students to experience working for a salary with the possibility of benefits and other perks. With this collaboration, Drew Horticulture will have come full circle in its mission of introducing students to an industry with a bright future, providing the skills for success, and leading them to legitimate employment opportunities. (information provided by Drew Horticulture Program)

Giroux Pappas created the Exceptional Educator Program and partners with WXYZ to gather nominations for educators in the area who 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 $1000 to a school each month since.

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.