Marcia Hamstra

Submitted by Sara of Lansing

School St. Gerard Catholic School

Mrs. Hamstra is an outstanding educator. She teaches 3rd grade at St. Gerard. Her enthusiasm for learing, gentle spirit and unending patience make her an integral part of our school. Marcia always encourages students to try their best and is genuinely interested in the "whole" student. She is quick to praise her students in any area in which they excel; from reading to art to music to participating in Mass. Our child was struggling in math and Marcia noticed that her self esteem was wavering. She took our child aside and told her that Father John wanted the strongest 3rd grade readers to participate in Mass. Marcia told our child that she was one of the strongest readers and hoped she would volunteer for a Mass part. Our child grinned from ear to ear knowing that Mrs. Hamstra had faith in her abilities. Marcia's smile makes everyone feel right at ease. We are so blest to have her on staff at our children's school.