Larry D. Lambert II of Wayne County is the most recent winner of the Excellence in Education award from the Michigan Lottery. The teacher is known for motivating and mentoring his students at Edward “Duke” Ellington Conservatory of Music and Art at Beckham Academy. He teaches kindergarten through eighth-grade visual arts at the academy, which is part of the Detroit Public School system.
The Excellence in Education Award was established by the Michigan Lottery in 2014 and recognizes the outstanding achievements of public school educators throughout the state during the current school year. The weekly winner of the award receives a plaque, $1,500 in cash, and a $500 grant for their classroom, school, or district.
One lucky weekly award winner will also be chosen as Educator of the Year, which comes with a $10,000 cash prize. Winners are also featured in a news segment on the Lottery’s TV media partners: FOX 17 in Grand Rapids, WXYZ in Detroit, FOX 47 in Lansing, and WNEM TV in Saginaw.
The award winner says he was influenced to pursue a career in education by his mother and sister. He says sharing his skills and watching his students grow is one of his favorite aspects of being an educator. “Being an educator is one of the most rewarding and challenging careers there is. Each day, my students drive me to be the best version of myself that I can be.”
Lambert was nominated for the award by a family member, who says he won the Art Teacher of the Year award in 2017 and is held in the highest regard by the Detroit Public Schools.
Lambert attended Kentucky State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree and received his master’s degree from Marygrove College. He has 23 years in his current position and has been an educator for 28 years.
Excellence in Education award nominees are evaluated on the following standards:
- Excellence – Working consistently to help students and schools advance the levels of academic achievement.
- Dedication – Going above and beyond to help their students succeed.
- Inspiration – Inspiring students and others to exceed their academic and professional expectations.
- Leadership – Demonstrating clear leadership skills in their current role at their schools.
- Effectiveness – Showing clear and positive results in advancing the education of students within their school or district.
