CORTLAND, Ohio - A Lakeview Elementary School third-grade teacher has been named the 2023 Ohio Teacher of the Year by the State Board of Education.

Melissa Kmetz was one of 11 finalists in the running for the honor.

The choice became official Tuesday morning as Lakeview Elementary School Principal Scott C. Taylor and Lakeview Local School Board President Jennifer Nicholas welcomed Interim State Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Siddens, who announced Kmetz as  Ohio Teacher of the Year.

The annual award recognizes exceptional teachers statewide to celebrate their work inside and outside of the classroom.

Kmetz started her teaching career at Salem City School District teaching kindergarten and has continued her career for 17 more years at Lakeview.

"I strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment for all students while sparking their interest and enthusiasm in learning. It is my goal to teach all students how to learn, not just what to learn," Kmetz said.

Kmetz graduated from Campbell Memorial High School in 1999 and continued her education at Youngstown State University where she graduated in 2007 with a Master of Science in Education.