This week’s Golden Apple Award winner is Jennifer Buffkin
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - For Jennifer Buffkin, receiving this week’s Golden Apple Award is a heartfelt milestone that caps off a dedicated career in early childhood education.
As she prepares to retire at the end of the school year, the Bay Haven Charter Academy kindergarten teacher says the recognition means everything.
“It means a lot to me. I’ve watched the Golden Apple Award many weeks and have always wondered if it would happen because it’s my last year,” Buffkin said.
She says the most rewarding part of her work is witnessing the transformation in her young students as they learn to read, write, and gain confidence.
“Watching their little faces light up — it’s just amazing,” she said. “Teaching is the best career ever.”
Congratulations Mrs. Buffkin!
To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).
Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email news@wjhg.com. Please include the article’s headline in your message.
Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app.
Copyright 2026 WJHG. All rights reserved.