Gina Wagner receives Golden Apple

Last week, it was announced that a Denmark Middle School teacher would receive a great honor in recognition of her years of dedication to students and their education. On Thursday, DMS Spanish Teacher Gina Wagner found out she would be one of eight educators in the greater Green Bay area to receive this year's Golden Apple Award recognizing teachers that go above and beyond.

The Golden Apple Award is an annual initiative undertaken each year by the Greater Green Bay Chamber to acknowledge teachers throughout the area who display "overall excellence in the classroom".  Each year since 1994, the chamber partners with Fox 11 and a number of local sponsors to facilitate the award complete with a star-studded televised presentation ceremony each spring. Any certified teacher in the greater Green Bay area is eligible for nomination, with nominees being announced in January. From the hundreds of nominees, eight winners are selected to receive the distinguished award.

Last Thursday, Gina Wagner was surprised with her Golden Apple Award in front of a whole-school assembly. After being presented with the award by Bryan Cayabyab representing sponsoring JBS, Wagner was interviewed by Fox 11's Michelle Melby about what the award meant to her. Wagner told Melby "I feel so blessed to be a part of this district" adding she is constantly surrounded by "awesome students and staff".

Wagner's students seem to believe she is more than deserving of the honor. "Mrs. Wagner is the most inspirational teacher and is so inspiring and always happy. She has a ton of energy and is very dedicated to her job and students" says DMS student Shelby Wilson with Nicole Sanchez adding "she is the best teacher ever because she always makes me smile. When I'm sad she knows how to cheer me up. And she cares about your feelings".

Gina Wagner and the other seven Golden Apple Recipients will be honored at a formal ceremony at the Oneida Hotel on April 17, where they will officially receive their awards. The Denmark News will have more information and full coverage of the event in coming issues.