The WNBA Detroit Shock and American Red Cross – Southeastern Michigan Chapter honored Kimberly Kyff, 2006-2007 Michigan Teacher of the Year, with The Detroit Shock and American Red Cross “My Personal Heroes” Award on The Palace court at halftime of the July 19 Shock game vs. Charlotte at 12 p.m. Ronald Grant from the American Red Cross – Southeastern Michigan Chapter, presented the award to Kyff for her outstanding dedication to educating Michigan’s youth.

“The education of children is the most important thing there is. It sounds trite but children are our future and we need to be sure that they’re well equipped to meet the needs of our new society,” stated Kyff after receiving the award.

Kyff, 48, of Bloomfield Township, is a fifth grade teacher at Detroit Public Schools’ Jamieson Elementary. She was named 2006-2007 Michigan Teacher of the Year by the Michigan Department of Education after becoming one of 18 semi-finalists and is the first teacher from Detroit Public Schools in 21 years to win the award.

“Great teachers like Kim make a huge difference in the lives of children,” Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm told www.Michigan.gov. “We’ve set our sights high in Michigan by setting high standards for our children, and thanks to Kim and her dedicated colleagues across the state, I’m confident we can reach those heights.”

A 19-year educator and 10-year staffer at Jamieson, a high-performing school that has won a Golden Apple Award and has above average MEAP scores.

The WNBA Detroit Shock and American Red Cross My Personal Heroes Program is a second-year initiative that encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and recognize their accomplishments at a Shock home game during the 2006 season.