DETROIT – Students and staff at Grosse Pointe North High School can be proud that one of their instructors is the 2013-2014 Michigan Teacher of the Year.
Gary Abud Jr. was chosen by the Michigan Department of Education from among 16 regional finalists.
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Abud is a science teacher with six years of classroom experience.
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder praised Abud's dedication.
"We honor Gary Abud as Michigan Teacher of the Year for his outstanding work in the fields of math and science -- areas that are critically important to the technological age of today and jobs of tomorrow," Governor Snyder said.
State Superintendent Mike Flanagan noted that Gary Abud was working toward becoming a physician and doing medical research at a hospital clinic, when he realized that his life experiences were convincing him that his true calling was in the teaching profession.
"He has followed his passion to continue learning and share what he learns with others. I cannot think of a greater gift a person can give to Michigan's next generations," Flanagan said.
With the corporate support of MEEMIC Insurance Company, Grosse Pointe Public Schools will receive $1,000 in honor of Gary Abud's recognition as Michigan Teacher of the Year, to be used for the advancement of education.
Gary Abud, Jr. will also receive the use of a car during his tenure as Teacher of the Year.