Farmington High student Kevin Andrews was honored March 29 as a 3rd place winner in The Oakland Press Excellence in Education Recognition Program.

The program honors top Oakland County students and teacher-created programs. All nominees were presented with a certificate at Oakland Schools in Waterford. Excellence in Education students are nominated by their district for achieving academic success and serving their school and community while overcoming family, emotional and/or physical difficulties.

Andrews was among 28 seniors nominated by a panel of judges from The Oakland Press and Oakland Schools. His third place finish came with a $350 scholarship and a plaque. His academic achievements include AP classes, a GPA of 3.265, plus participating in the Quiz Bowl Team and Student Board. His community activities include volunteering as an office assistant at Western Michigan University, a counselor in training at the Lions Club and as a proofreader of braille books before they are distributed by Seedlings Braille Books for Children. He plans to attend Central Michigan University and major in technology.

Melanie Milford, senior at Harrison High School, was nominated for the Excellence in Education Recognition Program. Milford has earned a 3.32 grade point average and is involved in the school newspaper as editor in chief. She is the assistant and mentor in the Buddy Program and pioneered the community service group the “Welcome Wagon.” Milford volunteers at Link Crew and Think Pink.

Longacre Elementary School was one of 13 programs recognized for its Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS)/S.P.O.T. program: S - Stay safe! P - Practice responsibility. O - Offer respect. T - Team up for teamwork! PBIS is a proactive model to create a learning environment that prepares students to be successful citizens. This helps students have a clear understanding of expectations. Positive behaviors are continually taught and reinforced, creating self-leadership in their students. The program has resulted in more teacher instructional time and a decrease in office behavior referrals.

Excellence in Education is sponsored by the Oakland Press and the Oakland Schools Intermediate District.