Tomoko Hirakawa receives Golden Apple Award

Walled Lake Early Childhood Center English Language Development paraprofessional, Tomoko Hirakawa, received a Golden Apple Award at the March 6, 2025 Board of Education meeting.

Hirakawa’s nominator, who wished to remain anonymous, wanted to recognize her because she advocates for all students and families. She goes above and beyond to communicate with families and share information with them about their children and the programs available to them in Walled Lake Consolidated Schools.

“Tomoko is always smiling and happy to see people and brings a positive attitude each day she is at work,” shared the nominator. “Tomoko speaks Japanese, but also helps students who speak other languages by using her knowledge of Multi-Language Learner (MLL) students and applies it to all learners and languages.”

“Tomoko trains new MLL paraprofessionals on best practice, techniques, strategies, etc. and is always willing to help a colleague, no questions asked,” added the nominator. “Tomoko works with teachers across the program, she observes and takes ideas from each classroom she's in and implements things learned/observed in other rooms/situations with students. She is willing to try anything and asks for feedback from others so she can continue to grow and perfect her skills.”

Hirakawa puts an emphasis on her own learning as well. She always asks to attend preschool professional development trainings, even when it is not required, so she can learn more about curriculum, department goals, academic and social emotional growth, and age appropriate practices.