Stanley Clark School honors late teacher Michelle Havens

The school's annual award recognizes Havens' legacy of warmth, love, and dedication to her students.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:05am

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The Stanley Clark School in South Bend, Indiana, honored the memory of beloved teacher Michelle Havens by presenting the Flora P. Clark Award in her name at the school's annual Kaleidoscope Dinner and Auction. Havens taught at the school from 2007 to 2019 before passing away from cancer in 2024 at the age of 53. Former students, colleagues, and her husband Cory Havens spoke about Havens' exceptional teaching abilities, her positive impact on the school community, and the lasting legacy she left behind.

Why it matters

The tribute to Michelle Havens highlights the profound influence that dedicated teachers can have on their students' lives. Havens' warmth, patience, and ability to see the best in each child made a lasting impression, with former students and colleagues continuing to feel her presence years after her passing. The award named in her honor aims to inspire current and future teachers to embody the same spirit of compassion and commitment that defined Havens' approach.

The details

Michelle Havens taught second grade at The Stanley Clark School from 2007 to 2019, before passing away from breast cancer in 2024 at the age of 53. She was remembered by students and colleagues as an exceptional educator who made learning fun and created a loving, welcoming classroom environment. The school honored Havens' legacy by presenting the Flora P. Clark Award in her name at the annual Kaleidoscope Dinner and Auction, with former students, friends, and her husband Cory Havens sharing heartfelt memories of her positive impact.

  • Michelle Havens taught at The Stanley Clark School from 2007 to 2019.
  • Havens passed away from breast cancer in September 2024 at the age of 53.
  • The Stanley Clark School presented the Flora P. Clark Award in Havens' honor at their annual Kaleidoscope Dinner and Auction on March 7, 2026.

The players

Michelle Havens

A beloved teacher who taught at The Stanley Clark School in South Bend, Indiana from 2007 to 2019, before passing away from breast cancer in 2024 at the age of 53.

Cory Havens

Michelle Havens' husband, who is the current enterprise editor at The Tribune newspaper.

The Stanley Clark School

A private school in South Bend, Indiana that honored the legacy of teacher Michelle Havens by presenting an award in her name.

Ben Ottenweller

The head of The Stanley Clark School, who has been at the school for four years and was struck by how often he heard about Michelle Havens' warmth and care for her students.

Maura Visconsi

A teacher at The Stanley Clark School who was a friend and colleague of Michelle Havens, and presented the award in her honor.

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What they’re saying

“Michelle walked around the last year of her life with a broken back. She just lived like that.”

— Cory Havens, Husband of Michelle Havens (The Tribune)

“I was struck by how often I heard about Michelle Havens. I heard about her warmth. How she cared for the students. We still feel her presence.”

— Ben Ottenweller, Head of The Stanley Clark School (The Tribune)

“She was such a gentle person. She was an amazing teacher.”

— Violet Speaks, Former student of Michelle Havens (The Tribune)

“In the classroom, it was a loving environment. It was an extension of home. She was very patient.”

— Quinn Christophersen, Former student of Michelle Havens (The Tribune)

“OK, not everyone was perfect, but she met them where they were, making every comment positive. Every moment was grounded in love.”

— Maura Visconsi, Colleague of Michelle Havens (The Tribune)

What’s next

The Stanley Clark School plans to continue honoring Michelle Havens' legacy by presenting the Flora P. Clark Award in her name at future annual Kaleidoscope Dinner and Auction events.

The takeaway

Michelle Havens' exceptional teaching abilities, compassion, and positive impact on her students' lives serve as an inspiration for current and future educators. The tribute at The Stanley Clark School ensures her memory and influence will continue to be felt, reminding teachers of the profound difference they can make in the lives of young people.