Peoria High School teacher wins Gaydos and Chad’s teacher tribute for February
Mar 18, 2022, 8:00 PM | Updated: Mar 20, 2022, 8:10 am
(Photo by Holly Holgate)
(Photo by Holly Holgate)
PHOENIX — A West Valley teacher has been named KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Gaydos and Chad Show’s Pay Tribute to a Teacher winner for February, presented by Your Valley Toyota Dealers.
Holly Holgate has taught math for over 21 years at Peoria High School and, throughout her career, has impacted the lives of many students through her dedication and compassion.
She encourages her high school students “to embrace their true potential and explore all opportunities available to them,” a mother of three students taught by Holgate wrote, prompting her to nominate her for the $2,500 prize.
After recently passing more than two decades of teaching, Holgate still said, “I get up every day to talk to kids.”
When her students express their successes to her, Holgate said she feels the most proud.
One thing Holgate has done since 2010 is keep a cabinet full of snacks, mostly peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
“Spending her own money on any resources her students may need is an indication of her giving heart,” the mother wrote.
Since Holgate likes to travel, she’ll likely put the money to the side for future travel expenses to visit family in Colorado or drive up the coast in California.
“It’s a tough job, and it’s been a tough job, in particular, these last couple of years, so the ability to get away is helpful,” she said.
