NW Valley Times

Luke Kanine, an alumnus of Grand Canyon University (GCU), recently received the Milken Educator Award at E.F. Rittmueller Middle School in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Known as the "Oscars of Teaching," this award recognizes educators for their commitment to educational excellence. Kanine was honored as Michigan's sole recipient this year among 45 nationwide winners.

Kanine's role at the school extends beyond teaching middle school P.E. and Spanish; he also serves as a behavior interventionist, coach, and event coordinator. He expressed surprise upon receiving the award during an assembly he helped organize without knowing it was meant for him.

"You hear your name, and you can’t believe it," Kanine remarked about the moment he was called to accept the award. The recognition includes a $25,000 prize and marks him as the sixth GCU graduate in four years to receive this honor.

Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Michael F. Rice praised Kanine for his efforts in helping students achieve fitness goals, learn languages, and improve school safety through discipline policies and social-emotional learning curricula.

Reflecting on his approach to education since starting at the school in 2014, Kanine stated: "I’ve always been kids first... You get those kids and you care about them and you love them – and watch what they will do for you."

Kanine attributes part of his professional growth to earning a master's degree in educational leadership from GCU in 2022. He emphasized that GCU taught him to prioritize students' needs while adhering to policies ensuring successful schooling environments.

Dr. Shelia Damiani from GCU highlighted that seeing six alumni earn Milken Educator Awards demonstrates the university's impact on shaping high-achieving educators who make significant community contributions.

Despite acknowledging teaching as a challenging profession with limited compensation, Kanine finds fulfillment in supporting students through difficult times: "You try to do right by the kid... it's the email a couple years later that tells you... 'Thank you for seeing me.'"