Commissioner Stewart Names School-Related Employee of the Year Finalists
April 14, 2016
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Commissioner Stewart Names School-Related Employee of the Year Finalists
Tallahassee, Fla., April 14, 2016 – Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart today announced the five finalists for the 2016 School-Related Employee of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding education support personnel for the significant contributions they make to their schools and communities. The winner will be named at an awards breakfast on April 27 in Orlando.
“My wholehearted congratulations go out to the 2016 School-Related Employee of the Year finalists,” said Commissioner Stewart. “These finalists work alongside our state’s educators to provide the students in their communities with the high quality education they deserve. It is an honor to recognize these five individuals for their contributions and to thank them for all that they do to help students succeed.”
The five finalists for the 2016 School-Related Employee of the Year are listed below.
Alachua County – Angela Wright, Hawthorne Middle/High School
Angela Wright has spent her entire 17½-year career at Hawthorne Middle/High School. As a Computer Lab Proctor, she oversees students taking online courses and serves as the Pre-Collegiate sponsor and Brain Bowl coach. She also serves on the school advisory council and as the school’s unofficial photographer. Angela volunteers extensively in her church and throughout the community, serving meals to the hungry and helping families at the local Ronald McDonald House. In 2015, she became a member of Santa Fe College Center of Excellence’s National Achievers Society.
Broward County – Kenyatta D. Medlock, Whiddon-Rogers Education Center
Kenyatta Medlock serves as the Community Liaison at Whiddon-Rogers Education Center, where she connects students who need a non-traditional educational setting with educational and support services. Whiddon-Rogers Education Center’s principal praised Kenyatta for organizing school-wide events that provide students with opportunities to engage with local elected officials and community leaders.
Marion County – Abel Garcia, Reddick-Collier Elementary School
Abel Garcia is an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Paraprofessional at Reddick-Collier Elementary in Marion County. According to his principal, his dedication to students, families and school staff is unparalleled. In addition to his regular duties related to instruction, Abel puts in extra time after school tutoring students who need extra assistance; writes grants for resources to extend English language learning for students and families; and translates communications for parents into Spanish.
Martin County – Vanessa Molina-Council, Citrus Grove Elementary School
As an English Language Learner (ELL) Paraprofessional, Vanessa Molina-Council helps Citrus Grove Elementary School students who are still learning English gain the skills and confidence they need to excel. She has been recognized by her colleagues for finding innovative solutions to help students. She spearheaded the school’s Braille ELL initiative; developed translated materials for ELL families to understand materials used at conferences; and provided her colleagues with a glossary of commonly used Spanish translations to improve communication between all school staff and ELL families.
Osceola County – Alberto “Tico” Justiniano, Narcoosee Elementary School
As Head Custodian for Narcoosee Elementary School, Alberto “Tico” Justiniano is an integral member of the school community. He has 10 years of experience at Narcoosee Elementary School and was commended by District Superintendent Luciano for mentoring struggling students and treating everyone with patience, kindness and respect. This is the third time Tico has been recognized as Osceola’s School-Related Employee of the Year since 2007. Additionally, in 2010, he received the Superintendent’s High-Five Award, and, in 2014, he was recognized with the Principal’s Super Hero Award.
More information about the School-Related Employee of the Year Program can be found at http://www.fldoe.org/teaching/recognition-recruitment/fl-school-related-employee-of-the-year/.
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