School District Announces 8 Finalists for EdVantage Awards

BRADENTON – Superintendent Dr. Tim McGonegal and a caravan of other district guests surprised eight extremely talented and devoted employees of the Manatee County School District last week to inform them they had been named finalists for the EdVantage Education Awards.

The EdVantage Education Awards celebrate excellence in education in Manatee County by selecting an ”Educator of the Year“ and a ”Support Employee of the Year.“ Four finalists were selected in each of those categories and they were the recipients of the surprise visits today.

All eight finalists will be honored and the Educator of the Year and Support Employee of the Year will be announced at the EdVantage Education Awards to be held on Wednesday, February 29, 2012, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Manatee Convention Center.

The finalists are:

EDUCATOR AWARD

Jillene Bergeron (Family & Consumer Science Teacher) Braden River Middle School

”As District Advisor of FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) Jillene Bergeron’s many duties include orientation and training of new advisors in our district, as well as the many responsibilities associated with the student membership of FCCLA.  Mrs. Bergeron’s FCCLA members are always engaged and participating in District, State, and National competitions, each requiring many hours of planning and traveling for her group. She is a dedicated teacher, leader, and role model for her students, always exemplifying the highest standards of her profession“ Information submitted by Randall J. Petrilla, Principal, Braden River Middle School.  

Ms. Mihija Daniel (2nd Grade Teacher) Rowlett Magnet Elementary School

”Mahija Daniel spends countless extra hours in service to her students and school.  She cares about and nurtures each child. In addition, she is loved not only by her students but also by their parents for her abilities to make her classroom an inviting and exciting place to be and learn. She volunteers on many of our committees, including our annual Golf tournament, Arts Festival, Veterans Day program, and many other events throughout the year.“ Information submitted by Brian Flynn, Principal, Rowlett Magnet Elementary School.

Mr. Dameon Headings (4th Grade Math Teacher) Palm View Elementary School

”Dameon Headings possesses exceptional instructional skills. He monitors his students’ progress, differentiates instruction, and provides remediation. He makes learning fun with his wealth of knowledge, including the innovative use of technology. Mr. Headings is also an outstanding educational leader. He has provided the Palm View faculty with an array of professional development in areas such as technology, math, and FCAT Focus. His work on instructional committees such as the textbook and curriculum committees and his involvement in the Aspiring Leader program exemplifies the many ways he works effectively with students, staff, parents, and the community.“ Information submitted by Frank M. Pistella, Principal, Palm View Elementary School.

Pauline Barnes (8th Grade Language Arts Teacher) Sugg Middle School

”Pauline Barnes exemplifies all of the District’s Core Values for Sugg Middle School and the district and does so with professionalism and grace. She is usually at the forefront of educational initiatives because she wants to be the best and bring the best to her classroom and her school.  She is the type of educator that so many others can aspire to be and hope to become. She is often the first person to volunteer to help others or take on the task to help publicize our school through the school newsletter and other venues. She is a quiet leader and role model for those around her, and their respect is due to her unselfish and genuine character.“ Information submitted by Sharon Scarbrough, Principal, Sugg Middle School.


SUPPORT AWARD

Ange Inderwiesen (Senior School Secretary) Nolan Middle School

”Ange Inderwiesen is extremely dedicated and goes above and beyond to make sure that Nolan Middle School runs seamlessly. She is the Ôgo-to’ person in many areas. She is extremely conscientious and keeps accurate records. Most importantly, she protects the school’s limited resources and gives up her family time to represent Nolan’s support staff at SAC meetings. In short, she is a dedicated School District of Manatee County employee who brings a ray of sunshine to the campus of Nolan Middle School.“ Information submitted by Nancy High, Principal, Nolan Middle School.

Cristina Aburto (Registrar) Tara Elementary School

”Cristina Aburto has established great rapport with all staff and is a key member of the school’s administrative team. She is a true team player and routinely covers the front desk whenever there are absences or staff must attend meetings or trainings in the district. She works to insure accuracy of data and maintains all folders for staff. Finally, Cristina has worked summer school for the district at various sites over the past several years. This year at Daughtrey, she actively reached out to assist the principal in preparing the registrar’s office for the upcoming year due to the illness of one of her colleagues who, subsequently, had to retire. Through her efforts and assistance of the newly hired employee, she was able to help the programs stabilize at that school.“ Information submitted by Linda Fouse, Principal, Tara Elementary School.

Lori Pick (Technology Specialist) Mills Elementary School

”’Innovative’ and Ôcreative’ are two words that describe Lori Pick. She works countless hours to keep the large amount of technology at our school organized and running efficiently. Her creative talents launched the Mills Lion News Network seven years ago, and many children have since grown and gained confidence through the news-casting experience she made available to them. Recently she expanded her duties to include tutoring academically challenged third grade students. She is a true servant leader who serves not only the staff and students at our school but also contributes at the district level where she currently serves on the District Permissions Group and the Technology Contacts Website committee.“ Information submitted by Michael F. Rio, Principal, Mills Elementary School.

Linda Campos (Registrar) Sea Breeze Elementary School

”Linda Campos is a lifelong learner who constantly searches for better and more efficient ways to do any job for which she is responsible. For example, when Linda realized that our school website was painfully outdated, she took the classes that she needed to understand how to improve the system. Today she continues to work on getting the website up and running as a public relations tool as well as a valuable resource for parents. When registrars at other district schools have been ill, Linda is one of the first volunteers to help out to prevent them from falling too far behind. She is, indeed, a team player–whether at her own school or at a school where one of her fellow registrars needs assistance.“ Information submitted by Jacquelyn West, Principal, Sea Breeze Elementary School.

The Educator representative will advance to the Florida Department of Education Macy’s Teacher of the Year competition, while the Support representative will advance to the Florida School Related Employee of the Year competition.

Each school and work site in the Manatee District was given the opportunity to nominate employees for the award categories. A total of 87 work site representatives were selected and that list was recently trimmed to 24 semifinalists (12 in the Educator category and 12 in the Support category).

Committees comprised of the following individuals then selected the eight finalists that will be announced tomorrow.

Educator Selection Committee: District Director of Curriculum, Linda Guilfoyle; District Director of Food Service, Sandy Ford; Assistant Director Bill Lance, Nova Southeastern University; and Dean of the College of Education Terry Osborn, University of South Florida, Sarasota/Manatee.

Support Selection Committee: Caroline Hoffner, District Department of Professional Development; Darlene Reynolds, Superintendent’s Office; Sheryl Riker, District Transportation; and Colette Matthews, District President of MCAEOP).