Lori Bell

Submitted by Jill of Negaunee

School Lakeview Elementary School

My best friend, Kathy Coonen, died one month ago of a very sudden and massive heart attack. She had just turned 40. She left behind her husband of almost 18 years and 14 year old son Alex, 12 year old son Joshua, and 9 year old daughter Molly. Molly's teacher, Mrs. Lori Bell, is who I would like to nominate as teacher of the year.

When Kathy died on Friday, March 26, I contacted some of the school teachers to please pass the word. By that night when we made it back to the family's home, Molly's teacher called. She was absolutely devastated by the news and wanted to talk to Molly to tell her how sorry she was. She told her she would be there for her, whatever she needed. She gave Molly and myself her home number and cell phone number and told Molly to call her whenever she needed.

The kids decided not to go to school that week. Mrs. Bell called another time that weekend and then again a couple times through the week that the kids stayed home. I spoke to her a couple times and she expressed her condolences to the whole family and wanted to make sure we all knew she would do anything she could to help them out.

When the family decided it was time for the kids to go back to school, Mrs. Bell had already spoke to the class and prepared them for Molly returning. She was such a support to Molly. Molly knew she was someone she could trust with her feelings and so she felt safe with her and in going back to school.

I believe Mrs. Bell went out of her way to care for one of her students and still does, as Molly, her family, and even myself are still greatly grieving Kathy's death. I believe she went above and beyond a teacher's role as she extended her hand to Molly and Molly's family in this time of great devastation. And when Molly returned to school, she made sure the other students and faculty were ready to be by Molly's side through the laughter and tears of remembering her mother.

I hope you will consider awarding Mrs. Lori Bell as a special teacher!