Upper Peninsula Teacher Honored as Detroit Red Wings Best in Class Program Winner

The Detroit Red Wings Best in Class program, presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Meijer, shows gratitude to Michigan teachers and educators who change the lives of millions of children every day.

Throughout the 2024-25 season, 75 teachers were recognized through the Best in Class program, with more than $35,000 donated to Michigan classrooms. Three finalists were selected, and one was chosen to earn the grand prize.

After more than 66,000 fan votes were cast, Beverly Reynolds, a second-grade teacher at Mid Peninsula School District in Rock, Mich., was named the grand-prize winner. As the winner, Reynolds earned a $5,000 grant, a custom jersey and a postgame meet and greet with Red Wings forward Elmer Soderblom.

“Beverly treats all her students as her own children and would do anything to help them in and out of the classroom,” the Best in Class program nomination for Reynolds said. “Beverly puts in many "unpaid" hours to ensure her materials are prepared and she has everything her students need, from pencils to snacks. We live in an economically challenged area and Beverly understands not all families can afford even the simplest school supplies. She is a real superhero!”

One of the most inspiring aspects of Reynolds’ story was her determination to quickly return to teaching after undergoing brain surgery in June 2024. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor in winter 2023, but delayed surgery until after the school year ended.

Reynolds returned to school in August 2024, sooner than expected and sooner than advised by doctors, but she said her love for her students and her four children gave her strength to continue doing what she loved.

“It wasn't easy to come back that soon, but it was best for my class and for my family,” Reynolds said. “All my kids attend school at Mid Pen, and I love that we are all together. I didn't want to miss that special beginning-of-the-year experience.”

After graduating from Northern Michigan University in 2007, Reynolds returned to her hometown and is now in her fourth year of teaching at her grade-school alma mater, which she said is more fulfilling than she could’ve imagined.

“It’s been a wonderful change for our family, and it feels like what I was meant to be doing my whole life,” Reynolds said. “It's corny, but I love teaching because this is my chance to change the world, one child, one day at a time.”

As part of winning the Best in Class program, Reynolds was invited to attend the Red Wings’ Fan Appreciation Night on April 14, where she was recognized on the Little Caesars Arena videoboard and received Soderblom’s game-worn jersey.

“Oh my goodness, it was one of the highlights of my life,” Reynolds said about being honored at Little Caesars Arena. “What a wonderful experience. It was so much fun and felt so surreal. Everyone was so kind and attentive. I have never been doted on like that in my life. It was awesome.”

Reynolds said winning the 2024-25 Best in Class program is a meaningful opportunity to spotlight her Upper Peninsula town of less than 200 people.

“It means more than I ever thought,” she said. “It's not just about the once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but the positive praise for our school and the support from my community was so incredibly validating. I love our school and I treasure our small-but-mighty community, and this experience has given me a chance to shine a light on the wonderful things happening in our school.”

Having support from organizations like the Red Wings with initiatives like the Best in Class program is invaluable, according to Reynolds.

“When large organizations support teachers, it has a ripple effect and makes communities feel supported,” she said. “Teachers don't take lightly being the face of education, and it is so refreshing for organizations like the Red Wings to support communities, families and students. The support from the Red Wings was very validating but also felt like a full circle moment. Going to this game and being recognized felt serendipitous and fulfilling.”

The winning teacher said she’s grateful for her school district, her community and her family.

“I just want to say thank you to the Red Wings for this amazing experience and the kindness and generosity,” Reynolds said. “Thank you to my school family for their support, thank you to my family for always being my inspiration and thank you to my students, who teach me more than I could ever teach them.”