- Utica Community Schools
- Legacy of Excellence Awards Celebration
- Legacy of Excellence Award
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Legacy of Excellence
Behind the academic excellence of Utica Community Schools are countless individuals who have contributed to the success synonymous with the school district. The Legacy of Excellence Award is a bi-annual award created in 2024.
UCS accepted nominations from the public for the inaugural Legacy of Excellence class in the spring of 2024. Nominators were asked to nominate individuals whose accomplishments were exemplary and noteworthy to serve as role models for the community. The contributions of nominees were to be be wide-reaching while possessing a high standard of professionalism.
For a list of the 2024 Legacy of Excellence honorees, click here.
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Mission of the Legacy of Excellence
Utica Community Schools introduced the Legacy of Excellence to honor and recognize the positive impact former students, staff or community members have had locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The accomplishments of honorees are to be exemplary and noteworthy.
Honorees should serve as role models to the community with wide-reaching contributions and a high standard of professionalism.
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Criteria for Eligibility of Nominees:
The following criteria shall be used when selecting honorees:
- Honorees must have lived within the district’s boundaries, worked at or attended Utica Community Schools.
- Honorees' contributions to society should stand the test of time and bring pride to the school district community.
- Honorees must be known and respected throughout the community, demonstrating character and integrity in all of their endeavors.
- Honorees should be distinguished in one or more of the following areas:
- Professional life
- Educational achievements
- Community leadership or contributions
- Humanitarian contributions
- Athletic accomplishments
- Artistic accomplishments
- Honorees may not be actively employed by the school district and must not hold elected office at the time of recognition, unless circumstances are exceptional.
- Honorees who have been employed by UCS must be retired or separated from the school district for two years prior to recognition.
- Honorees that are graduates of Utica Community Schools must be an alumnus for at least 10 years.
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Selection Process for Legacy of Excellence:
The inducting Legacy of Excellence group will consist of at least 10 honorees.
Nominations will be considered by the Legacy of Excellence selection committee, appointed by the Superintendent of Schools. Honorees (or their family if the honoree is deceased) will be notified in the summer of 2024 directly if they are selected to be recognized.
UCS holds the right to remove any individual from the Wall of Fame at any time should an honoree’s circumstances substantially change from that of when they were inducted.
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Legacy of Excellence "Wall of Fame"
A "wall of fame" will be constructed to honor the Legacy of Excellence awardees at the Gibbing Administrative Services Center, 11303 Greendale Drive in Sterling Heights, in the main lobby where the public can see the Legacy of Excellence honorees during normal business hours.
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Save the Date
Nominations for the second class of Legacy of Excellence honorees will be accepted in the winter of 2026.