Black Tie Awards Dinner

​The Black Tie Dinner celebrates the academic achievement and careers of Fenton’s community members and school faculty members. This event has sold out since its inception and in ten years has raised over $250,000. Each year, the winners of both the Community Contribution to Education Award and The Nancy and Edward Petruska Life Time Achievement in Education Award are invited as a guests of honor. The dinner includes a seven course meal, cocktails and live music. Formal attire is optional.

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Black Tie Awards Dinner

Date: Thursday, Sept. 4th, 2025

Time: 6:00pm Cocktails / 7:30pm Dinner

Location: The Laundry


Thank you to everyone who attended our 2025 event in honor of Jamie Elfstrom, and Barry Tiemann. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

ChoiceOne Bank

ChoiceOne Bank

Community Contribution

to Education Award

The Community Contribution to Education Award is presented annually at the Foundation's Black Tie Dinner to an individual whose efforts in the community have made a significant and lasting impact on the educational community in Fenton. 

Selection and eligibility criteria:
  • The award is for contribution by a community member to the school system.
  • Nominees should show long term contributions to the educational system or have shown a single, significant contribution.
  • The award is also given for achievement in leadership and service to education within the community of Fenton.
  • Nominees may not be a current member of the school board
  • Nominees may not be a current employee of the Fenton Area Public Schools district.
Nominations:
  • Nominations for this award should be submitted to the Fenton Education Foundation's Board of Directors.
  • The Board of Directors will review the data and then determine its award recipients.
  • The form linked below should be considered a template for making recommendations to the board. While nominations may exceed this level of information, it should be considered a minimum level of information for consideration.
Selection Process and Time Line:
  • March – June: Nominations are received.
  • July – August: FEF Board Chairman, Secretary, School Superintendent and School Board Representative will select three nominations for review by the FEF Board.
  • August: FEF Board will vote on the three nominees. The nominee receiving the most positive votes will be presented with the award at the annual Fenton Area Public Schools staff recognition breakfast.
  • August: Winner is invited as a guest of honor to the annual Black Tie Dinner.

PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS

2025       Jamie Elfstrom

2024       Dr. Martin & Traci Lapa

2023       The State Bank

2022       The LaFontaine Family

2021      John & Gail Strayer

2019       Roger Archbold

2018      Joe & Nora Kryza

2017      David Walker

2016      Phil & Jocelyn Hagerman

2015      Richard Canever

2014      Jennifer Fleck

2013      Rick Aro & Robert Cairnduff

2012      Richard Rockman Sr.

2011       Mark Hamel Family

2010      Jon Gerych & Family

2009      Dr. Robert Burek

2008      Russ & Shirley VanGilder

2007      Ruth & Richard Beardsley

2006      Ann Ingles

2005      Bob Dery

The Nancy and Edward Petruska Life Time Achievement in Education Award

The Nancy and Edward Petruska Life Time Achievement in Education Award

The Petruska award was established through a gift from the Petruska family to the Fenton Education Foundation and is presented annually at the Foundation's Black Tie Dinner. The award recognizes the contribution that educators make to the community of Fenton. The Petruska's were part of a generation that developed the standards of excellence that have been the hallmark of the Fenton Public Schools. They served the school and the community with humility, generosity and leadership. Edward and Nancy Petruska devoted a combined 52 years of educational services to the Fenton Area Public Schools, for which we will always be grateful.
PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS

2025     Barry Tiemann

2024     Amy Mowrey

2023     Dr. Robert Burek

2022      Linda Mora

2021      Mark Suchowski

2019      Pam Bunka

2018      Lori Slaughter

2017     Peggy Yates

2016      Pete Hajec

2015     George Kralosky

2014     Jim Leh

2013     Trudy Iverson

2012     Chuck Pilar

2011      Karen & Bob Bruder   

2010      Dave Crawford

2009      Don Beck

2008      Bob & Toadie Middleton    

2007      Sue & Bill Hajec

2006      Neil McPhee

View the Photo Gallery below!