Holly Budzinski Named Wake County Teacher of the Year
Thursday, May 4, 2000 - A teacher at Wake County's newest high school has earned the district's highest teaching award, Teacher of the Year. Math teacher and volleyball coach Holly Budzinski was named Teacher of the Year at the annual Gold Star Award Banquet, sponsored for the 13th year by Central Carolina Bank.
A teacher for 11 years, Ms. Budzinski taught at East Cary Middle before transferring to Green Hope High this year. She has also taught in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Ms. Budzinski was one of seven of Wake's finest teachers in the running for Teacher of the Year. The competition began months ago when 109 schools selected their own teacher of the year nominee. The field was narrowed to 21 semifinalists before the top seven were selected as finalists by committees made up of school administrators and community representatives.
As Wake County's Teacher of the Year, Ms. Budzinski receives a prize package worth thousands of dollars, including use of a Saturn automobile for a year, a $1,000 cash prize from Central Carolina Bank, an IBM Thinkpad computer, two airline tickets from Hickory Beeline Travel, a gift basket from Fallon's Florist,and gift certificates from various local merchants.
The remaining six finalists will receive a $500 cash prize from CCB, $100 from Howard Perry and Walston, and an array of other gifts. In all, local businesses support the Teacher of the Year program with tens of thousands of dollars in cash, gifts, and services.
The Teacher of the Year is selected after a comprehensive screening and application process, which includes a written and videotaped portfolio. Candidates must also undergo a grueling interview with the selection committee.
Ms. Budzinski's teaching has earned praise from students and administrators alike. Green Hope Assistant Principal Jane Clayton says, "Ms. Budzinski is determined to teach students that math is relevant to the real world and not just jargon in a textbook. She has students try activities and construct models."
Ms. Clayton also praises Ms. Budzinski for her adept use of computer techniques and her enthusiasm in learning new teaching methods.
Ms. Budzinski's teaching philosophy encompasses more than just the subject matter at hand. "I'm a math teacher, but I feel very strongly that I am here to educate the whole child," she says, "to teach them about life and to support them as they grow and make life decisions."
Her success is also closely tied to her ability to establish rapport with her students. "I am a motivator, and I am sincere," Ms. Budzinski says. "The students know I care about them."
Wake County's Teacher of the Year goes on to compete in the North Carolina Teacher of the Year program. Last year's Wake County winner was Martha "Kip" Caton, a music teacher from Fuquay-Varina Elementary School.
The remaining six finalists are as follows: Vinetta Bell, Enloe High; John Enloe, Fuquay-Varina High; Bobby Hinson, East Millbrook Middle; Sue Hove, Fox Road Elementary; Candice Hudson, Lockhart Elementary; and Ella Strowbridge, Kingswood Elementary.