Fan Voting Now Open for Red Wings Best in Class Program Winner

What began as a statewide search among thousands of Michigan educators who make an impact in students’ lives has come down to three deserving finalists.

The Detroit Red Wings Best in Class program, presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Meijer, has spotlighted Michigan teachers and educators who change the lives of millions of children every day, inside and outside the classroom.

Throughout the 2024-25 NHL season, 75 teachers were recognized through the program. Fans were invited to nominate a teacher who they felt had a significant impact on the lives of children in their community, and now the top three are vying for the grand prize.

Shandra Dicks, Art Teacher at Walker Winter Elementary in Canton, Mich.; Beverly Reynolds, Second-Grade Teacher at Mid Peninsula School District in Rock, Mich.; and Danielle Clark, Kindergarten Teacher at Carleton Elementary in Detroit, have been voted Best in Class program finalists and are in contention for a $5,000 grant and a postgame meet and greet with a Red Wings player.

The voting period for the grand prize winner is live now – Tuesday, April 4 and is open to anyone who visits DetroitRedWings.com/BestInClass.

Reynolds is a dedicated second-grade teacher who returned to school in August after undergoing brain surgery last summer to remove a large tumor. Driven by her love for her students, Reynolds treats every student like her own child, going above and beyond to ensure they have everything they need, from school supplies to snacks. She works countless overtime hours, always putting her students first, especially in an economically challenged community.

"I am honored to have been named a finalist,” Reynolds said. “With so many incredible teachers in Michigan, it’s humbling to represent my school, our students and the Upper Peninsula in this way. After facing medical challenges this past summer, I have learned to never take a single day for granted. Those difficulties have deepened my appreciation for inspiring and caring for the children in my community and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference every day."

Clark is an exceptional educator in the Detroit Public Schools Community District, specializing in teaching young children and consistently achieving great success. She goes above and beyond, visiting homes to ensure kindergarteners are ready for their first day and working with students who haven’t had access to preschool, helping them reach grade level and beyond.

Clark also supports her colleagues through professional development and guidance, dedicating her own time to helping others succeed. Her students often return to visit, grateful for the strong foundation she provided. Always eager to improve her craft, Clark is committed to teaching, supporting her peers, and making a lasting impact.

"I am so excited and honored to be a finalist,” Clark said. “I have been a Detroit Public School teacher for 27 years and I love what I do. Winning the grant will enable our school to purchase materials for our students that we wouldn’t be able to otherwise. It would be an honor to make that possible for my students and our community."

Dicks is a creative and innovative educator who blends STEM with art to inspire her students. She incorporates projects like programming robots and collaborating with grade levels on art inspired by classroom lessons.

Notable achievements include a 3D float project using paper mache and a win in the Mission 17 Student Space Flight Program, where her students’ designs were worn by astronauts and displayed at the Detroit Institute of Arts. Dicks goes above and beyond, building strong relationships with students and parents, often staying after school to connect with them.

‍