PF Middle School teacher May’s School Champion

Michael Lancaster, who operates Post Falls Middle School’s media center, is the First Class School Champion for May, after being nominated by Celeste Coyle, one of his students.

“He helped me (pursue) my dream. He always took time out of his (schedule) to help me out,” Coyle wrote in her nominating essay.

Coyle also described how Lancaster was understanding, encouraging and diligent with writing lessons, even when the struggles became frustrating.

“He never gave up on me when things got frustrating,” Coyle wrote. “He always had faith in me.”

Employed at the middle school since 2003, Lancaster teaches PLATO, computer-based math classes, and two periods of media productions where students produce morning announcements over the in-school television station. During the summer, he works at the school as a computer technician.

Lancaster has worked with computers since 1986. He received an associate degree in computer information technology from North Idaho College.

Sponsored by Numerica Credit Union, the First Class School Champion Award is given every month September through May. Students in North Idaho can nominate their favorite school employee, and a committee selects a winner.

Lancaster received $100 to be used at the school or in his department, along with a plaque, gift bag, two Silverwood Theme Park passes, and a $45 gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse. Coyle received $25, a bag of goodies, two day passes from Silverwood and was entered into a drawing for an Apple iPod, along with all other students who submitted a nomination essay.