Schools
Grosse Pointe Woods Honors Michigan Teacher of the Year with Commemorative Signs
Four signs recognizing Gary Abud Jr. are displayed around the city's borders.
It's an understatement to say those in the Grosse Pointe Woods community are proud of Gary Abud Jr.
And why shouldn't they be?
The Grosse Pointe North High School science instructor was named Michigan Teacher of the Year in late May. Plus, he's a 2002 graduate of GPN himself.
Believe it or not though, Abud nearly never even became a teacher at all.
In fact, he decided on the profession when he was conducting medical research, originally studying to become a physician.
However, it seems he made the right choice - especially according to students, colleagues and the community, in general, who nominated him for the Teacher of the Year honor back in the fall.
Shortly after this time, Abud received a letter from the Michigan Department of Education altering him of the anonymous appointment. Fast forward to two months ago during an all-school assembly at GPN when State Superintendent Mike Flanagan made the announcement that Abud would officially receive the prestigious title.
"It was a speechless moment for me," said Abud, of his initial reaction. "I reflected on how inspired I have been by fellow educators' classrooms and that this was an honor which materialized that inspiration."
Abud has been teaching chemistry and physics to 10th-12th graders at the high school for three years. He graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor's degree in Philosophy, before moving on to earn his master's degree in Teaching from Saginaw Valley State University. Currently, he is a student himself in the Galileo Teacher Leadership Academy.
"With so many classrooms around me in Grosse Pointe creating tremendous learning experiences for the students, I strive for helping all students realize success and have a memorable learning experience in a way that I hope meets the high standards we have in our schools," said Abud.
The four yellow and black signs congratulating Abud can be found along the Grosse Pointe Woods city limits, and will stay there indefinitely.
"With such an important achievement by Mr. Abud, it was only appropriate that the City Council recognize his accomplishments," said Grosse Pointe Woods City Administrator Al Fincham. "He brings professionalism and honor to our school system and our community."
