June 17, 2011

Citizens committee makes its choices for the best of 2010-11
During the recent senior assembly in the OHHS gym, Eric Peterson and Mike Crebbin were in the bleachers surrounded by students when they heard their names announced. An appreciative student body roared as they learned that Peterson was named Teacher of the Year and Crebbin was named Coach of the Year by Oak Harbor's Excellence in Education Committee.

There was no shortage of nominations this year, all of them boiling down to the same over-riding accomplishment: a profound impact on students' lives.

Eric Peterson teaches marketing, oversees a highly-productive DECA club, and coaches cross country and track. He's been teaching in Oak Harbor for nine years.

His students, colleagues, and administrators used the same words to describe his work with students. Passionate. Motivating. Inspiring.

"Mr. Peterson is so passionate about what he does in both the coaching and teaching worlds," one student wrote. "He has inspired me to become independent and pursue a career such as his." Another student said: "His classes and teaching style have made me become a better, more independent learner. Mr. Peterson believes in all his students, wants the best for every student, and genuinely cares about all of his students."

Peterson is credited for long hours tutoring struggling students, teaching kids to operate the student store in a professional manner, and coaching DECA to many state and national awards.

Colleague Andy Wesley said that Peterson has shown that leading by example works. In return for presenting students meaningful lessons with "real life" situations, Peterson "expects students to return the favor with hard work and high-quality projects," Wesley said. "He is relentless with students in having them produce work that could be used on the job."

Mike Crebbin is a 6-year head coach of Wildcat wrestling and an Algebra teacher with nine years teaching in an Oak Harbor classroom. During the last eight years, he has also assisted with coaching football, softball, and track and field.

Crebbin was honored earlier this year as Northwest District Coach of the Year, an award voted on by Crebbin's peers, the coaches of WESCO 3A and Northwest Conference 3A schools. His Wildcat wrestlers finished second in the final WESCO 3A standings, third in the subregional meet, and sent six wrestlers to the state tournament.

"Coach Crebbin has a passion for working with students," said Athletic Director Nicki Luper. "He encourages them to work hard, never give up, and strive to meet their goals. He and his staff genuinely care about the well being of each student athlete and their accomplishments in the classroom and in the athletic arena."