On March 30, 2021, Spanish teacher Emily Haffey was announced as the 2020-21 Teacher of the Year in a surprise ceremony. 

     Haffey has been a teacher at Highlands for eleven years, teaching Spanish to hundreds of students. She has made and continues to make a big impact on Highlands High School and on the lives of her students every day. 

     “I love this job and I love these kids. I tell them everyday that this is kind of like my own version of Disney World.” 

     She explained how little kids want to go to Disney World to see princesses, but all she wants to do is see her students and teach them Spanish every day. 

     Haffey was very surprised by the announcement. 

     “I am very humbled, it was unexpected. I’m thankful for the recognition, and I work with the best colleagues and students.” 

     Along with the announcement of Teacher of the Year, five grants were given by the Fort Thomas Education Foundation. The grants were received by Beth Brubaker, Lori Duncan, Kelly Booth, Colleen Epperson, and Shelly Hoffstedder.