(STURGIS) – A teacher with the Sturgis Public Schools has received a very special award.

The Sturgis Area Community Foundation says Tyson Dilts is the recipient of the 2023 John E. Oster Award for Excellence In Teaching. He accepted the award last Friday night at the Foundation’s annual Impact Celebration event at the Sturges-Young Center For The Arts.

The Oster Award is given every year to a Sturgis Public School District teacher who exemplifies high professional standards for teacher training and education; extraordinary devotion to the Sturgis community and the position of teacher; and whose efforts, training and skills have reflected upon the value of education to the teacher’s students and the quality of education in the Sturgis school system.

During the presentation, Sturgis Superintendent Dr. Art Ebert introduced Dilts, who has been teaching in the Sturgis Schools for six years, and currently teaches first grade at Wenzel School. Dilts also teaches Adult Education in the evening, serves as a math tutor, summer school teacher and is an active member of the Sturgis Lions Club.

Dilts told the crowd that seeing what the community needs is what inspires him the most. He says giving back and helping in the community where he can is very important.

The Oster Award is given in memory of the late John Oster, a Sturgis attorney who placed a high value on education.