ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – An Escanaba Area Public Schools (EAPS) administrator has received statewide recognition for her dedication to her students.
Escanaba Jr/Sr High School Assistant Principal Jessica Garber has been named Michigan’s 2027 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year. The honor was given to her by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).
Along with MASSP Executive Director Colin Ripmaster, the entire school surprised Garber with a ceremony Wednesday morning. The school band performed, students waved handmade signs, and Principal Andy Doutree gave a speech.
“[Garber] works her tail off to make our school a wonderful place, engaging, exciting,” said Doutree, who nominated Garber for the award. “… All the extra work that she goes and does does not go unnoticed.”
Garber says she was stunned by the show of support from her fellow faculty members and her students.
“You know, it’s funny because on a daily basis I feel this love from kids, but then to see it all in one spot was really overwhelming to me,” she told WZMQ 19 News. “I was really happy and excited. I really do feel like I’m making a difference for kids, and that’s always been my life goal. Thank you to everybody. It’s a great day to be an Eskymo.”
One example of Garber’s commitment to her school is her Lead Like an Eskymo initiative, which provides students with opportunities to practice leadership and develop social-emotional skills. According to MASSP, she also worked with educators to develop and pilot the Junior High Online Program after enrollment data showed that students were leaving the traditional classroom in favor of virtual learning options. The program offers flexibility for students while keeping them connected to teachers, support staff, and school activities.
“It starts at the top, and she exemplifies what we expect to see out of people in our district,” said EAPS Superintendent Dr. Coby Fletcher. “It’s a special honor, and she earned it.”
Garber will represent Michigan as its nominee for the National Principals Association Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year competition. All state award winners will be recognized at the National Education Leadership Awards ceremony in February 2027 in Tampa, Florida.
