PORTAGE (WKZO AM/FM) — A Portage West Middle School teacher got a big surprise when she reported to an assembly with the rest of the school, only to learn that she was the reason everyone was getting together Wednesday.
Social studies teacher Linda Holzwarth was chosen to be educator of the year in Michigan by the state lottery bureau. There to meet her was Michigan State head basketball coach Tom Izzo and lottery director Aric Nesbitt.
She said it runs in the family. Her grandmother was once named “teacher of the year” in New Jersey and her mother was also a teacher in Portage.
Holzwarth, who is retiring at the end of this year, is known for making her lessons fun and interactive, yet demanding. She’s also known for starting after-school clubs to get students involved in new activities, like knitting hats for those in need.
