Jeremy Hughes is a difference maker from both an academic and athletic standpoint. Hughes is an educator at Stillwater High School, and he teaches Forensic Science to juniors and seniors. 

Hughes’ job is not limited to the classroom, though. He is also a high school coach for the football and wrestling teams. This gives Hughes an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on various groups of students, daily. 

Hughes has been teaching and coaching at Stillwater High School since 2011. In his 12 years there, he has learned to value the relational aspect of his job. 

When asked what he most enjoys about being an educator, he shared that he “enjoys helping students and athletes achieve their goals.” He also was sure to mention that he truly appreciates “the relationships [he] builds with [his] students and athletes” which allows him to “watch them succeed later in life.” Building connections with his students is a vital aspect to his teaching and coaching method. 

Hughes chose to work at Stillwater out of his desire to be a coach. When asked what made him become involved in education, he shared that he “wanted to coach because [his] coaches in high school had the biggest impact on [his] life.” 

Becoming a coach ultimately led Hughes to become an educator as well. “[Teaching] just kind of fell into my lap,” he said. His time spent teaching and coaching proves that Jeremy truly enjoys his job and is devoted to Stillwater. 

Being an educator is not always easy. Hughes shared some of the best advice he has been offered regarding teaching and coaching, and it is words that he constantly sticks to both on the field and in the classroom. 

“Building relationships with students is key to their success. ‘Students don’t care what you know, until they know you care,’” he said.