By Dayna Woodruff, news editor, and Kaitlyn Kozalla, senior publications editor
Each week from September through May, Edinboro University and JET-24 present the Golden Apple to a northwestern Pennsylvania teacher who is nominated by a student or students for making a difference in their lives. On Wednesday, January 22, junior high social studies teacher Kara Bridger won this prestigious award.
Bridger, who has been teaching at Saegertown for ten years, was nominated by eighth-graders Travis Peters, Lyndzee Amory, Kacie Mook and Elora Dillinger for her “engaging lessons and mother-like personality.”
“I’m very flattered and appreciative of the students who nominated me,” Bridger said. “When the kids want to come to class and enjoy being with [me] and learning, that’s what makes me the happiest.”
The JET-24 crew and officials from Edinboro University surprised Bridger in her seventh-period class. “I was in shock, really. The news crew came bursting through the door, and it all happened so fast,” Bridger said. “It felt like a whirlwind.” After the craziness settled, she noted that she “felt very flattered, and it was wonderful to be recognized by her students.” She loves working with the junior high students, as they are still figuring out who they are, and she wants to create a happy, safe, and fun learning environment for them.
Bridger tries to maintain a fun classroom while teaching her lessons, and goes by the motto, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” She enjoys being around her students, and is happy that some feel the same way.
The award presentation will be aired on Wednesday, February 5, during Action News 24 and Thursday during WJET-TV’s Good Morning Erie program.