A Dakota City Elementary School teacher was recognized Friday evening (1/16/2026) for her outstanding commitment to students and education, earning one of the community’s most respected honors.
Mrs. Codi Hrouda, a 5th grade teacher at Dakota City Elementary, was named the 2026 Golden Apple Award recipient by the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce during the Chamber’s Annual Banquet held January 16, 2026, at the South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront Event Center .
The Golden Apple Award, established in 1992, is presented annually to an educator who has made a significant and lasting impact on students, schools, and the community. The recipient is selected for demonstrating excellence in teaching, leadership, and dedication to student success.
The award was presented by Dr. Rony Ortega, Superintendent of South Sioux City Community Schools, alongside Dr. Marysz Rames, President of Wayne State College. As part of the recognition, Mrs. Hrouda received a $1,000 honorarium from the Chamber and an additional gift from Wayne State College .
In his remarks, Dr. Ortega highlighted Mrs. Hrouda’s more than two decades of service in education, including 11 years at Dakota City Elementary. He spoke to the meaningful relationships she builds with students and the learning environment she creates—one rooted in trust, encouragement, and high expectations.
“Mrs. Hrouda doesn’t just teach content,” Dr. Ortega said. “She builds confidence, inspires belief, and helps every child feel seen, valued, and capable.”
Mrs. Hrouda began her career after earning both her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and her Master’s degree in Curriculum from Wayne State College. Her teaching experience includes time in Pender, 13 years in Columbus, and more than a decade serving students in South Sioux City.
Student feedback shared during the presentation reflected the daily impact of her work, with students describing her as “the nicest teacher I have ever had,” noting that she “makes learning easy to understand,” and sharing that “she cares about us and is so funny.”
Mrs. Hrouda was joined at the banquet by her husband, Brad, and her children, Olivia, Abbie, and Ellesyn, along with district and building leaders including Joe Wanning, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, and Ben Schultz, Principal of Dakota City Elementary.
South Sioux City Community Schools extends sincere congratulations to Mrs. Hrouda on this well-deserved honor and thanks the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce and Wayne State College for their continued partnership in celebrating excellence in education.
