On Thursday, Nov. 13, administration and a few of the original staff members who opened the school paid a surprise visit to U.S. History teacher Robin Grenz to congratulate her on winning teacher of the year. They presented her with balloons, flowers, a crown and a sash.

“I feel very honored  to be chosen by my colleagues to represent Hagerty as Teacher of the Year. The administration, faculty and staff prove over and over again that they are the best and for them to recognize me is truly humbling,” Grenz said.

Grenz is greatly involved with providing her students with the resources they need to succeed, from completing the UF Certified Instructional Coach program to attending AP readings and Institutes.  Currently in her 27^th year of teaching, 17 as a middle school teacher and ten as a high school teacher, Grenz has received  awards such as the principal’s award twice. Although the most important rewards she receives are the cards and letters from students who tell her that they are successful and have decided to pursue bigger dreams because of her class.

“I do a little happy dance every time a student says ‘Thank you for pushing me. I learned so much’,” Grenz said.

It was with great respect from the people around her and the extraordinary hard work of Grenz that allowed her to win teacher of the year for the first time.

“Mrs. Grenz deserves teacher of the year because she is one of the most dedicated teachers of Hagerty High School,” front desk receptionist Carla Baird said.