Katrin Rudge named Florida Teacher of the Year finalist

Macy’s honored Katrin Rudge of Riverview High School as a finalist for the 2014 Macy’s / Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Award Wednesday, May 8, honoring her exceptional work with students in the classroom.

Rudge is one of the five finalists from more than 180,000 public school teachers throughout the state.

The 10th to 12th grade marine science teacher received the surprise congratulatory news at 9:30 a.m. by Florida Department of Education Chancellor of Public Schools, Pam Stewart, District Vice President of Macy’s Colleen Reidy, and Principal Linda Nook.

Rudge was presented with a $5,000 check from the Macy’s Foundation and a $500 Macy’s gift card. Macy’s Foundation also presented a $1,000 check to the school.

Emmy Award winning journalist Deborah Norville will announce the winner Thursday, July 11 at Orlando’s Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios City Walk.

The winner will receive a $10,000 grant, an all-expense paid trip for four to New York City for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education.