BY KRIS LEONHARDT
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
GREEN BAY – On Thursday, Feb. 15, the Greater Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce surprised its 2024 Golden Apple recipients.
The local teachers were recognized in the areas of professionalism, leadership and innovation.
Leading up to the April recognition event, the Press Times is highlighting these eight honorees.
Andrea Huggett is a previous Golden Apple winner, receiving the honor as the sixth-grade mathematics team in 2018.
She currently teaches sixth-grade math at Green Bay Area Public Schools (GBAPS) at Edison Middle School.
Huggett said that being an educator is about more than just teaching.
“It’s about inspiring and making a positive impact on students’ lives. It’s about nurturing their growth and development, not just academically, but also personally. Each student is unique, with their own strengths, challenges and dreams. As an educator, I find it incredibly important to support them on their journey, to see the spark of understanding when they grasp a new concept, the resilience they show when facing challenges and the growth in their confidence and abilities over time. It’s a privilege to play a role in shaping their futures and empowering them to reach their full potential,” she said.
Huggett obtained her elementary education degree at UW-Stevens Point and credits her own teachers for making a lasting impression, but she said her biggest influence was a little closer to home.
“Throughout my childhood, I was fortunate to have many incredible teachers who not only imparted knowledge but also made learning enjoyable and engaging. Their influence left a lasting impression on me, igniting a passion for education and a desire to inspire others in the same way,” she recalled.
“However, the most significant influence on my decision was my mother. She dedicated 34 years of her life to teaching, and her commitment to serving the community was truly inspiring. I grew up watching her tirelessly work to ensure her students received the best education possible, often going above and beyond to support them in any way she could. Her dedication and passion for teaching solidified my decision to pursue a career in education. She showed me that being a teacher is not just a job, but a calling to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Huggett added that one of the most fulfilling aspects of being an educator is the lasting relationships she creates with her students. “These connections often extend beyond the time they spend in my classroom — sometimes lasting for years. It’s truly rewarding to bump into former students in the community and catch up with them, hearing about their lives and accomplishments since sixth grade.
“Some of these relationships have evolved into professional collaborations, as I now work with some of my former students from when I first started teaching 15 years ago. It’s a testament to the impact educators can have, knowing that the influence we have on our students extends far beyond the school year.”