Hartland names top teacher, support person of 2024

M. Alan Scott
·2 min read

HARTLAND — The Hartland Consolidated Schools Teacher of the Year and Support Person of the Year have, combined, provided nearly 43 years of service to the district.

Ethan Hawker has spent all but one of his 29 years teaching at Hartland. The high school math teacher is a 1990 Hartland graduate. He’s been nominated for the award before, but was surprised to win.

“It was nice that my family was there when it was announced,” he said.

Administrative Assistant Sandy Enderle works at Hartland Schools in the Student Nutrition Department. The Support Person of the Year started as a “lunch lady” before moving into her current position as assistant to the department’s director. The 30-year Hartland resident grew up in Nashville, and despite being a “southerner at heart,” wouldn’t work or live anywhere else.

Ethan Hawker is the Hartland Consolidated Schools Teacher of the Year for 2024. In this photo, he poses with his daughter.
Ethan Hawker is the Hartland Consolidated Schools Teacher of the Year for 2024. In this photo, he poses with his daughter.

Enderle has two daughters who've graduated from Hartland Schools.

“I had no idea I was nominated,” Enderle said. “It’s all a secret process. I am truly humbled by the staff who took the time to share their thoughts. It’s such a kind act.”

Hawker has enjoyed getting to know his students most. He admits it’s important to “teach math along the way,” but also to get to know and treat students as people.

Administrative Assistant Sandy Enderle is the Hartland Consolidated Schools Support Person of the Year for 2024.
Administrative Assistant Sandy Enderle is the Hartland Consolidated Schools Support Person of the Year for 2024.

“I think it’s important to connect with them," Hawker said. “I think that, if I do my best to be an adult they trust and respect, then I will give them the best opportunity to grow as a person and as a student in my classroom.”

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Hawker coaches the girls’ golf team at Hartland High School and enjoys playing on his own in his free time.

Enderle said she was “shocked” by the honor in part because she prefers to stay in the background. With this award, she wasn’t able to stay “under the radar.”

“The best thing we do in our department is make sure all of their needs are met, which is important today,” Enderle said. "From nutrition, government guidelines, and special needs for our allergy students. I truly enjoy my job, as every day is so different.”

— M. Alan Scott is a freelance writer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Hartland names top teacher, support person of 2024