Farmington Hills Teacher Wins June 2025 Educator Award

Kathryn Pelton of Hillside Elementary honored by Giroux Pappas for her impact on students, leadership, and community involvement.

Farmington Hills, MI — Giroux Pappas is proud to announce Kathryn Pelton, a 4th grade teacher at Hillside Elementary in Farmington Hills, as the June 2025 Exceptional Educator. Ms. Pelton is being recognized for her unwavering dedication to creating a loving, inclusive classroom environment and her outstanding impact on student growth and leadership.

Each month, Giroux Pappas honors one exceptional teacher in Metro Detroit who goes above and beyond to support and uplift their students. Now in its fourth year, the Exceptional Educators Program has highlighted dozens of inspiring teachers who lead with heart, purpose, and commitment to academic excellence.

Ms. Pelton’s nominator described her as “an understated teacher who often flies under the radar because she handles everything with quiet grace and love.” Ms. Pelton fosters a classroom where all children feel accepted and empowered—and their success shows both emotionally and academically.

In addition to leading her students with compassion and care, Ms. Pelton:

• Oversees a student-run classroom newspaper
• Co-leads the Student Leadership Team
• Organizes impactful school-wide initiatives—including a recent fundraiser that raised over $8,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

“Teachers like Ms. Pelton remind us that education is about more than test scores—it’s about creating connection, opportunity, and a sense of belonging,” said Bob Giroux, founding partner of Giroux Pappas. “We’re honored to recognize her incredible contribution to her students and community.”

About the Exceptional Educators Program

Launched by Giroux Pappas in 2021, the Exceptional Educators Program honors local teachers who make a profound difference in the lives of their students. Each month during the school year, one teacher is selected based on community nominations and awarded $1,000 in recognition of their dedication to education.

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Nominate an Exceptional Educator Today!

Do you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students? We’re always looking for the next amazing educator to honor! Submit your nomination for the Giroux Pappas Exceptional Educators program by completing this nominaton form Let’s give these incredible teachers the recognition they deserve!

For more information on the Exceptional Educator Award, visit https://www.greatmiattorneys.com/exceptional-educators/

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 since.

About Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys

Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys, P.C. , Michigan personal injury, trial law firm specializing in providing aggressive representation for clients in Farmington Hills, Southfield, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Warren, Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan. They help those who have suffered a personal injury stemming from an auto, motorcycle, or trucking accident; medical malpractice, birth injury, civil rights, wrongful death or sexual assault fight for their legal rights. The Giroux Pappas Trial Attorneys have experience in over 120 trials and have recovered millions for their clients.