Each year the Archdiocese of Detroit recognizes outstanding educators in their schools with the  “Archdiocese of Detroit Excellence in Teaching Award.”  This year we were lucky enough to recognize two outstanding staff members: Lauren DiSalle (kindergarten) and Terry Zaleski (high school math).  These teachers met criteria set by the AOD and were selected among their peers for this recognition.  On June 4th, they will be presented their awards by superintendent Kevin Kijewski and Fr. Stephen Pullis

Ms. Terry Zaleski, HS Math & Economics

Ms. Zaleski has been teaching 11 years at Our Lady of the Lakes High School.  She will be recognized for her dedication to her craft of teaching and unending passion for Catholic education.  This year she has seen the most growth out of her students on their PSAT and MAP assessments with students showing enormous growth between their fall and spring testing sessions.   “Ms. Zaleski is an exemplary teacher in our building who models professionalism, hard-work and is a witness to her faith.  Students are drawn to her classes to be challenged, supported, and deepen their relationship with Christ,” said principal Rick Vanden Boom. “We are very lucky to have Ms. Zaleski as part of the Laker Family!”

Mrs. Lauren DiSalle, Kindergarten

As a young child, Lauren DiSalle knew that her passion was teaching young children and helping them to know the Lord. She began her career at Our Lady of the Lakes as a kindergarten student in 1995. As the oldest of four, Lauren was blessed to be surroundedwith a strong sense of family and formation with the Catholic faith. In 2008, Lauren graduated from Our Lady of the Lakes to attend Oakland University and complete her degree in elementary education with endorsements in social studies and language arts. As the blessings continued, Lauren found herself returning to Lakes as a kindergarten teacher in the fall of 2015. She married her best friend, Kevin in the summer of 2016 and currently lives in Rochester. The students, parents and faculty of Our Lady of the Lakes are blessed to receive the gifts that Mrs. DiSalle shares as a teacher, mentor and friend. Her love for our Lord surrounds everything that she does and is a gift to all who share in her presence.