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.

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.

Nominations require general information regarding the nominee (nominees may be alive or deceased), supporting materials as to why the nominee deserves to be recognized and two (2) letters of recommendation from someone other than the nominator. 

Honoree nominations will be accepted via online nominations April 15-May 6, 2024. The inducting Legacy of Excellence group will consist of up to 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 directly if they are selected to be recognized.

To submit a nomination for the 2024 UCS Wall of Fame, complete the form at www.uticak12.org/nominate.

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.

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.