Codi (Anderson) Hrouda, a fifth grade teacher at Dakota City Elementary School, received the award Jan. 16 from the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Wayne State College alumna Codi (Anderson) Hrouda has received the 2026 Golden Apple Award for her dedication and commitment to students and education. Hrouda, a fifth grade teacher at Dakota City Elementary School, received the award from the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce during the Chamber’s annual banquet Jan. 16.
Hrouda, a native of Hubbard, has taught at Dakota City Elementary School since 2014. Prior to Dakota City, she taught at Centennial Elementary School in Columbus for 13 years. She did her student teaching at Thurston Elementary School and then served for one year as the fifth and sixth grade teacher.
Hrouda credits her mom (Cindy Morgan-Anderson) and Rae Brown, a former fourth grade teacher at Thurston Elementary School, with influencing her to become a teacher.
“Growing up, I watched my mom teach at Emerson-Hubbard High School, and I got to see first-hand the reward that teaching brings to one's life,” said Hrouda. “I witnessed my mom putting in long hours at school and at home to ensure her students were getting the best education possible during their time with her in the classroom. Rae Brown taught me so much more than how to teach the curriculum to students. She taught me how to develop meaningful relationships with all students by getting to know every one of their stories or backgrounds so I could meet them where they were at emotionally, socially, and academically.”
“Throughout my teaching career, I have aspired to be like both my mom and Rae Brown,” added Hrouda. “I have incorporated all their teaching traits into my own teaching style, and I am forever grateful and blessed that they both influenced my life as a teacher. I absolutely love what I do and all the students I have taught during my 25-year teaching career.”
Hrouda earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Wayne State in 2000, and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State in 2006.
“With a combination of professionalism, warmth, and a caring personality, it’s easy to see why Codi’s students love her so much,” said Dr. Marysz Rames, president of Wayne State. “Her passion and dedication for teaching impacts her students every day, and she truly deserves the Golden Apple Award.”
Hrouda is also the co-author of “How to Create Language Experts with Literary Terms: Constant Thrill from Success.” The book is part of a four-volume set for grades one, three, four, and five.
Hrouda and her husband, Brad, have three daughters – Olivia, Abbie, and Ellesyn. Olivia teaches social studies at Emerson-Hubbard Community Schools, while Abbie and Ellesyn are both pursuing degrees in Family and Consumer Sciences at Wayne State. Abbie is a junior with a concentration in Interior Design, while Ellesyn is a freshman in Foods and Nutrition.
"Wayne State College is more than just an alma mater to me; it is the foundation of my life’s greatest blessings,” said Hrouda. “My undergraduate and graduate degrees provided an exceptional education that launched my teaching career, but the campus gave me even more: lifelong friends and the man who became my husband. Watching two of my daughters now walk those same paths at Wayne State, receiving a top-tier education and creating their own lasting memories, fills me with immense pride. Wayne State truly feels like home for our family."
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 Rames and Dr. Rony Ortega, superintendent of South Sioux City Community Schools. As part of the recognition, Hrouda received a $1,000 honorarium from the South Sioux City Area Chamber of Commerce and an additional gift from Wayne State.
Ortega commended Hrouda for the meaningful relationships she builds with students and the learning environment she creates – one rooted in trust, encouragement, and high expectations.
“Codi doesn’t just teach content, she builds confidence, inspires belief, and helps every child feel seen, valued, and capable,” said Ortega.
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.”