Statement from state Rep. Patrick Green (D-Warren) honoring Thomas Torrento on his selection as Michigan Teacher of the Year for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:

LANSING — This week is Teacher Appreciation Week and state Rep. Patrick Green (D-Warren) honored Thomas Torrento with a special tribute for his selection as Michigan Teacher of the year for Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. Mr. Torrento is the director of bands for Van Dyke Public Schools’ Lincoln Middle School. In addition, Rep. Green issued the following statement:

“Mr. Torrento is the definition of a great teacher, mentor, and leader. He inspires his students daily and consistently supports them to be the best they can be. Thanks to Mr. Torrento’s direction, Lincoln Middle School bands have consistently achieved 1^st and 2^nd division rankings at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District XVI Festival. Making music education instrumental in students’ lives from 5^th grade onward is an incredible achievement and it is clear that Mr. Torrento will have a long lasting impact on his students and their legacy.

“Together, Van Dyke Public Schools and Mr. Torrento offer students a high quality musical education. Investment in the arts ensures we’re raising and educating well-rounded, creative students who will become the thinkers, leaders and artists of tomorrow. I’m happy to take this opportunity during Teacher Appreciation Week to congratulate Mr. Torrento, and other hard working teachers like him, for their achievements. We are incredibly lucky to have such inspiring teachers in our district who are dedicated to the success of our students and our future generations.”