The EHS Teacher of the Year committee announced Andy Ribbing, Science, as EHS 2019 Teacher of the Year, Feb. 25.

Ribbing’s wife, son, parents and uncle all surprised him by entering his classroom with balloons, cookies and a banner.

“I had no idea that it would be this big,” Ribbing said. “It was a real shock.”

The TOY process began in November with the committee, co-chaired by Janice DeNure, French, and Teresa Yakel, Social Studies, of roughly 20 meeting to discuss how this year’s award should play out.

Eventually, a nomination form went out to students and teachers to nominate the EHS teacher they found worthy of the title.

“This is just an exciting opportunity for me to recognize how amazing my coworkers are,” Yakel said. “I’m blessed every day to come to Eureka High School, not just because of the students but because of my colleagues.”

The committee received over 300 responses for about 80 teachers. From that list, the committee chose three finalists: Ribbing, Mary White, Orchestra, and Lauren Schoellhorn, Social Studies.

“With the teachers that we have in the building, you never think it’s possible,” Ribbing said. “They’re so great here. Mrs. Schoellhorn and Mrs. White, they’re phenomenal teachers. I definitely did not think I had it.”

Teachers then voted on the finalists and landed on Ribbing.

Ribbing has taught at EHS for 11 years. He currently teaches AP Chemistry, Honors Chemistry and Chemistry, but he has previously taught everything from Physical Science to Applied Biochemistry.

“He’s very sweet and kind,” Sidney Durbin (10) said. “It’s so cool. He deserves it. He’s one of the best teachers out there.”

On top of teaching, Ribbing has put his time toward coaching baseball and softball and helping out with Students With a Testimony and E!Crew.

“He’s a great teacher,” Atharva Bhagwat (11) said. “Any sort of conceptual issue you have, he makes sure to describe it. He doesn’t treat any question as if it’s super obvious. He was the right choice.”

Congratulations to Andy Ribbing on EHS 2019 Teacher of the Year!