From staff reports
Longtime Sturgis educator Laura Penner has been selected to receive the John Oster Memorial Award for Excellence in teaching.
The award is given annually to an educator who is nominated by community members based on a dedication to professional development, community service and teaching.
Penner is an alumna of Sturgis High School and of Western Michigan University, where she earned a master’s degree in education.
She has been an exemplary teacher with Sturgis Public Schools since 1997 and is known for her genuine care and dedication to her students, award organizers said.
Penner has served as a coach to the Sturgis High School swimming team and leader to the high school’s Business Professionals of America program for more than 20 years.