Posen ‘s teaching program Infused receives $2,000 From Voya Financial
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NEW YORK -- Voya Financial, Inc., a leading provider of retirement plans for educators, announced today that Stephanie Goebel, a teacher at Posen High School in Posen, has received a $2,000 grant as part of the company's 2026 Unsung Heroes awards competition. Goebel is the only winner in the entire state of Michigan and is one of only 50 winning submissions to receive the award to help fund and bring her program to life.
Selected from the hundreds of applications Voya received from throughout the United States,
Goebel will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes -- an additional $5,000 for third place, $10,000 for second place or $25,000 for first place from Voya Financial.
For 30 years, the Voya Unsung Heroes program has awarded grants to K-12 educators in the United States to recognize and support their innovative teaching methods, creative educational
projects, and their ability to positively influence the children they teach. Since the program's inception in 1996, Voya has awarded over 2,710 educators more than $6.66 million nationally.
"Great educators don't just teach; they create opportunities, unlock confidence, and help students see possibilities they may not have imagined for themselves. The recipients of this year's Voya Unsung Heroes Awards reflect the extraordinary impact happening in classrooms every day." said Jon Reilly of Voya Financial said in a press release.. "We're honored to celebrate these educators whose dedication and innovation are helping shape brighter futures for their students and their communities.”
Goebel’s creative teaching program, “Great Lakes Marine Debris Prevention Program,” is a part of The Posen Great Lakes Marine Debris Prevention Program that was established in the 2023-2024 school year and has been the longest running Place-Based Stewardship Education initiative for and at the school. Rooted in hands-on learning and student voice, the program empowers students to investigate and remove marine debris while learning to make better personal decisions in regard to their impact on the environment. Beginning in their own backyard along Lake Huron in Northeast Michigan, students will continue to conduct shoreline and tributary marine debris cleanup projects while compiling data to track amounts and location of marine debris. Students will continue their work with environmental conservation groups and educators to evaluate and improve upon the marine debris issue. According to Goebel, students have collected over 7,000 pieces of marine debris to date and aim to grow that number over time. Students have also engaged in field experiences on Lake Superior and Lake Michigan, extending their education and outreach regionally. Goebel will use the Voya grant to purchase supplies for the community clean up events, clean up station construction, and all of the expenses related to student stewardship field experiences.