Grunder wins Amazing Teacher car from Graue

Lincoln College teacher Eric Grunder is an amazing teacher and he has a car to prove it. Grunder, of Lincoln, chose the winning bag that had the key fob that started the 2016 Chevy Cruise.

Eight teachers were praised at the year end ceremony Saturday at Graue, Inc. The program, which started 18 months ago, highlighted area teachers who were nominated by students and parents.

Chris Graue, owner of Graue, Inc., reflected on the process and appreciated reading about Lincoln's educators.

"We were humbled by the number of nominations and soon realized what a difficult task we had at hand to select from some 25 or 30 entries per month. To narrow this down to one winner per month was not an easy task. We’d like to thank you for your patience," said Graue.

The program which was planned to end in June of 2020 was paused due to the COVID-19 virus.

"The Amazing Teacher Award was to be put on hold until we -like the rest of the nation- figured out how to navigate our daily lives during a worldwide pandemic. We decided the only thing we could do was pause until August and start the nomination process again to catch up from the previous year," said Graue.

Graue highlighted each teacher nominated for the award and in the running to win a car.

The teachers highlighted were:

• Shanna Schneider who teaches Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade at Lincoln Central School

Her nomination read, "Hands down, she is one of the hardest working teachers I have ever known."

• Eric Grunder who teaches Biology at Lincoln College

His nominator wrote: "Mr. Grunder is the kind of teacher that answers every question that you have, biology or not. He teaches in a way that makes biology easy to understand.He is not only a great teacher, but a great person. He is a very honest and lighthearted.

• Bev Wunderlin who teaches 4th grade at Washington Monroe

Her nominator wrote: "Mrs. Wunderlin has touched countless lives in her years of teaching 4th grade. She has made a difference in the lives of both of my girls. She builds strong and lasting relationships with kids. She makes them feel loved and important. She is an incredible teacher!"

• Kerry Burketeaches who once taught Kindergarten Chester East Lincoln

Her nominator wrote: "Mrs. Burke shared her love of education with my son, and he has thrived since he has had her as a teacher. If my son ever saw Mrs. Burke outside of school, he would run up and she would bend down and give him the most sincere hug and always ask about his day."

• Jennifer Gouin who teaches English at LCHS

Her nominator wrote: "My senior year of high school, I lost my sister, niece, and nephew in a fire. I had Mrs. Gouin for two years, but my senior year, I had her for three classes, so we became very close. Mrs. Gouin became a mother figure to me, and without her help, I would not have graduated on time."

• Emily Lund who teaches Kindergarten at Carroll Catholic School

Her nominator wrote: "She is a wonderful kindergarten teacher. Ms. Lund is absolutely amazing. Ms. Lund has been a miracle for our daughter. Emily is the most loving and caring teacher. She is amazing with the kids. Ms. Lund gives it her all. Because I know that she loves me."

• Carly Powell who teaches 3rd grade at Mount Pulaski Grade School

Her nominator wrote: " My daughter has said, “I think she’ll be my favorite teacher forever”. Kudos to Ms. Powell for going above and beyond and making a difference with our kids."

• Diane Bicknell who teaches special education and PE at New Holland Middletown Grade School

Her nominator wrote: "Ms. Bicknell is an amazing teacher and person. She constantly goes above and beyond to assist her students and fellow teaching staff. Her amazing cheerful smile and attitude are contagious and spread to other students when they are having a bad day. She is the perfect example of what a teacher should be!!"

Graue told the recipients to look inside the bag they chose t find a key fob and asked each teacher to try to unlock the vehicle.

After six tries it was down to Grunder and Lund and Graue asked the pair if they wanted to trade their fobs, which garnered a chuckle from those in attendance.

Grunder knew he was a winner when he saw the lights respond to his fob.

"I am amazed," smiled Grunder who said he could use a new vehicle.

"My son is driving a vehicle that has 365,000 miles so this will come in handy," said Grunder.