Kevin McGuire honored with Michigan City Education Award

Kevin McGuire holding the Education Award, Photo provided by MCAS

The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce has a history of celebrating local educators and educational programs. After a nomination process that began back in the fall of 2021, the selection committee was pleased to award Kevin McGuire, Director of Technology for Michigan City Area Schools, with this year’s honor. Presented by Comcast Business this annual community award recognizes educators or educational programs that have made a significant impact in our community over the last year. “Technology has kept our teachers teaching and students learning as we’ve shifted to a mix of in-class, hybrid, and remote instruction nationwide”, stated Greg Gomolka from Comcast’s Government and External Affairs.

The award was presented to McGuire during the monthly school board meeting at Michigan City Area Schools on Tuesday, January 25^th. Gomolka with Comcast Business and Katie Eaton, president of the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce, we both on hand to present the award to McGuire. Eaton shared with attendees during the presentation a few of the remarks from the nominators.

One nominator stated, “As Director of Technology for Michigan City Area Schools, Mr. Kevin McGuire has continually served the students, his coworkers, and the community to improve individual access to educational opportunities, to provide easier means to understand technology, and to gain direct access to the educational tools available through the entire school district.”

Another nominator said, “Kevin’s work to implement MCAS’ 1:1 Technology Plan is also something that needs to be celebrated and awarded. It is due to Kevin’s innovation, tenacity, hard work, and expertise that our school district implemented this ambitious project. Thanks to this plan, every MCAS student had a device in hand – ready to study and learn remotely – prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. When schools were ordered to close in-person learning during the height of the pandemic, we were well-prepared for the transition to virtual learning, miles ahead of other districts whose students lacked take-home devices. Kevin’s forward thinking has helped set our students on a path for success – even during the most challenging of times. He has secured funding from the Michigan City Redevelopment Commission, along with grants from federal and state programs, to move this project forward. He continues to engage a district Technology Committee in planning and implementation efforts.”

This nominator continued in saying, “Kevin McGuire is a true asset to Michigan City, our schools, our community, and most importantly, our students. His work has had a tangible impact on our district, keeping our schools ahead of the curve when it comes to technology.  Because of his dedication to improving the lives of Michigan City children, our students receive a well-rounded, quality education that will allow them to keep up with the state-of-the-art technology of today and tomorrow.”

After receiving the award, McGuire shared, “Technology has been an integral part of education for many years. However, prior to the pandemic, technology was primarily seen as a means to support daily functions, communications or enhance classroom instruction. The pandemic has changed the view, dependency, and need of classroom technology. Innovative solutions and tools are now used daily to deliver instruction and allow communication at all levels. We may not be in the classroom on a daily basis or work directly with students, but my team and I are very aware of our responsibility and how vital we are to the success of all K12 students and teachers. We are proud of the work we do and are proud to call ourselves educators.”

Comcast Business will again be the presenting sponsor for the 2022 Michigan City Education Award. The nomination period for the 2022 award will open in September. For more information or to submit a nomination in the future, visit MichiganCityChamber.com or call 219-874-6221. The Michigan City Chamber of Commerce serves to be a resource to its members, businesses, and the community to promote economic growth in the Michigan City area.