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David Knezek, Dearborn Heights, MI (2026)

05/31/2026

I am excited to announce that Ms. Christina Petricca has been selected as my May Teacher of the Month!

Ms. Petricca currently serves as the 11th grade English Language Arts teacher and AP Literature and Composition teacher at Crestwood High School. She graduated from Allen Park High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree, with concentrations in Behavioral Sciences, Business, and Spanish, from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She also received her Education Certification and Social Services Certification from UM-Dearborn.

Ms. Petricca is currently in her third year of teaching, with all three years being spent at Crestwood High School. She transitioned into the field of education after working in mental and behavioral health for several years. She made the switch because she believed teaching would allow her to create more meaningful and impactful relationships where she felt she could truly make a difference. She says, “Teaching also affords both staff and students a place to showcase their creativity that other fields unfortunately don't offer.”

When reflecting on her career, Ms. Petricca noted that the bonds she has been able to foster not only with students, but with staff as well, are among her favorite aspects of teaching. She says it is extremely rewarding to watch students grow into themselves and begin carving out their own paths in life.

For those interested in pursuing a career in education, she says that teaching offers the opportunity to have genuine interactions and new adventures every single day. She also suggests reaching out to former impactful teachers for inspiration and valuable advice.

Congratulations, Ms. Petricca! Thank you for all that you do to support and inspire the next generation.

05/31/2026

I am excited to announce that Ms. Lina Abbas has been selected as my May Teacher of the Month!

Ms. Abbas currently serves as a 9th grade Biology teacher and AP Environmental Science teacher at Crestwood High School. She is a Crestwood graduate herself and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. She later received her Master’s in English as a Second Language from Western Governors University.

Ms. Abbas is currently in her sixth year of teaching, with three of those years spent at her alma mater. She says that from a young age, the teaching profession always caught her eye. “It is one that focuses on interpersonal relationships and student success, while also leaving room for creativity and personal growth,” she adds. She loves that teaching provides the opportunity to build a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom. She says, “Every day brings something new, with experiences that create lifelong memories!”

In addition to teaching, Ms. Abbas serves as the National Honor Society Advisor and the Girls Track and Field Assistant Coach.

For those interested in pursuing a career in education, she offers this advice: “Everyone has a unique light that they bring to the profession — don’t let anyone dim it!”

Congratulations, Ms. Abbas, and thank you for sharing your passion and enthusiasm in ways that continue to positively impact our students and community.

05/30/2026

I’m excited to announce that Starfish Family Services has been selected as my May Business of the Month!

Founded in 1963, Starfish Family Services is a nonprofit human service agency dedicated to supporting children, youth, adults, and families. Headquartered in Inkster, they serve more than 3,000 children and their families annually. Their team provides high-quality programs and support services that focus on early childhood education and development, behavioral health, and empowered parents. Through their approach, Starfish partners with families so they have access to the right resources at the right time.

Through its Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs, Starfish provides year-round enrollment opportunities at 15 centers across Wayne County, offering in-person services focused on supporting the whole child and family during the critical early years of development. Starfish also supports expectant and new mothers through home-based education services and the Nurse-Family Partnership program. Together, these services help strengthen early learning, family engagement, and school readiness.

Starfish also offers behavioral health and counseling support for children, adults, and families through a variety of programs designed to promote emotional wellness and stability. Services are available at three clinic locations as well as through telehealth, providing flexible and accessible care options.

Thank you, Starfish Family Services, for your continued dedication to creating brighter futures for children and strengthening families across Wayne County!

05/27/2026

Eid Mubarak! Sending my warmest wishes for joy, peace, and happiness to my Muslim brothers and sisters. 🤲💙

05/25/2026

Pausing today to reflect on the incredible service and sacrifice made by so many of our fellow Americans. Those who served our country with honor and made the ultimate sacrifice deserve our lasting respect and humble appreciation. 🇺🇸

05/10/2026

Wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms in our community and beyond!

04/30/2026

I’m excited to announce 9Planets Comics and Collectibles as my April Business of the Month!

Located in Dearborn Heights, 9Planets is a local comic and collectibles shop opened by Ben Sobolewski. It’s a go-to destination for comics, wrestling memorabilia, horror, Funko, anime, and more. For the past six years, they’ve offered a large and diverse selection of comics, action figures, and collectibles, including rare back issues and other unique finds. The store itself is colorful, fun, and a nostalgic throwback to classic ‘90s comic book shops. It’s truly a hidden gem!

Ben’s passion is evident in the unique space he’s created. He greets every customer with warmth and enthusiasm and is always ready to help you track down exactly what you’re looking for. The shop also hosts special events and guest artists from time to time, making every visit worthwhile. Free Comic Book Day will be taking place on Saturday, May 2nd so mark your calendars!

Whether you’re a collector, a pop culture fan, or just looking for the perfect gift, there’s something here for all ages. There’s so much to explore, and the knowledgeable staff will help you discover something new.

Congratulations to 9Planets Comics and Collectibles! If you’re ever in the area, be sure to check them out at: 20702 Van Born Rd, Dearborn Heights, MI 48125.

04/22/2026

I am excited to announce that Mr. Scott Spencer has been selected as my April Teacher of the Month!

Mr. Spencer currently serves as the Health and Physical Education teacher at Annapolis High School, part of Dearborn Heights School District #7. He graduated from Armada High School and went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education with a minor in Speech Communication. He also played four years of collegiate basketball.

Mr. Spencer is currently in his 16th year of teaching. His motivation to pursue a career in education comes from a long line of educators and coaches. These incredible mentors pushed him to become the best version of himself and inspired him to give back to the youth in his community. His passion has always been rooted in the positive impact of fitness and physical activity. A proud advocate for mental health, he works daily to support students’ mental well-being through movement and physical activity.

When asked what he loves most about teaching, Mr. Spencer shared that it always comes back to the students. He values building relationships, helping students overcome challenges, and supporting them through different situations and moments. He finds joy in seeing students succeed, learn from their mistakes, and grow throughout their high school journey. For him, it is about creating a space where students can become the best versions of themselves and achieve their own path to success.

For those interested in pursuing a career in education, he says that it’s absolutely worth it:

“The positive moments are life-changing for you and your students, and to play a role in someone’s life is as rewarding as it gets. Find your passion and never forget why you began in education, and that’s simply to help students reach their fullest potential, whether they see it in themselves or not.”

Congratulations, Mr. Spencer, and thank you for the lasting impact you continue to make on our students and community!

04/05/2026

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter and continued blessings of peace, hope, love, and forgiveness. 🙏💙

03/31/2026

I’m excited to announce Family Heating, Cooling & Electrical as my March Business of the Month!

Located in Garden City, Family Heating, Cooling & Electrical is a local, family-owned and operated business founded in 1968 by George Klempert. For over 50 years, they have provided heating, air-conditioning, water heater installations, electrical services, generator installations, and repair services to Metropolitan Detroit and surrounding areas.

Today, George’s daughter, Crystal Palko, serves as CEO. After 29 years as an educator in Garden City, she brings that same dedication and community-first mindset to her work. I was proud to previously recognize her as Garden City Educator of the Year, and it’s wonderful to see her continue making an impact in the community.

With three locations across Southeast Michigan, their growing team combines more than five decades of industry experience with a commitment to integrity, skill, and personalized service. None of their employees work on commission, so you can trust they’ll never sell you products or services you don’t need or want.

At Family Heating, Cooling & Electrical, they believe in being part of the community they serve - their customers aren’t just numbers, they’re family. They are committed to giving back to the community through initiatives such as The Lyman Foundation, local food banks, Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars, and youth sports, dance, and community events and causes.

Congratulations to Family Heating, Cooling & Electrical! If you’re ever in need of their services, be sure to visit them at 30210 Ford Rd, Garden City, MI 48135, or give them a call at (734) 422-8080.

David Knezek

05/31/2026

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