Five Battle Creek-Area Teachers Win Classroom Awards

Five educators serving Battle Creek-area students are among the Michigan teachers receiving classroom support through Honor Credit Union’s 2026 Teacher Awards.

The local recipients are Miranda Heffron and Jamie Whitmore of Harper Creek Community Schools, Salena Middaugh of Battle Creek Public Schools, Cierra Becker of Pansophia Academy, and Dustin Himebauch of Climax-Scotts Community Schools.

Each teacher will receive a $500 digital gift card for classroom supplies or learning improvements.

Honor announced the winners on October 14th, 2026, recognizing 40 educators from 27 branch communities across Michigan.

The awards represent a combined $20,000 investment in classrooms.

For teachers who routinely supplement classroom needs from their own pockets, a flexible award can help turn an idea into something students can use immediately.

The program has reached its 17th year and reflects the financial institution’s roots as Berrien Teachers Credit Union.

Honor said applicants did not need to be credit-union members, and winners were selected from eligible teachers expected to work during the 2026–2027 school year.

The official 2026 program rules called for one recipient from each member-center community plus additional recipients in regions with the highest participation.

The local list crosses traditional district, charter and regional boundaries, highlighting educators in several different school communities.

Harper Creek serves students at five schools in the greater Battle Creek area, while Battle Creek Public Schools and Pansophia Academy serve families within the city.

Climax-Scotts, located west of Calhoun County, is also part of the broader educational network connected to the Battle Creek area.

Families who know the recipients may want to watch their school and classroom communications for updates about how the funds will be used.

The award announcement celebrates individual teachers, but the practical benefit belongs to the students who will learn with the added materials.

Who are the Battle Creek-area award recipients?

Miranda Heffron, Jamie Whitmore, Salena Middaugh, Cierra Becker and Dustin Himebauch were named in the official winner list.

How much does each teacher receive?

Each recipient receives a $500 digital gift card to support classroom supplies or improvements.

How many teachers were recognized statewide?

Honor Credit Union selected 40 Michigan educators and committed a combined $20,000 through the annual Teacher Awards program.