Page 10 - Hobe Sound Reflections - January '20

Page 10, Hobe Sound

kidS Corner

Martin County Teacher Of The • High School Teacher of the Year – Jennie Bellone, Angela Roberts was selected as the overall Martin County

Year Selected At Fun-Filled Willoughby Learning Center; award sponsored by Keiser Teacher of the Year. The award was sponsored by Audi Stuart
University
and Infiniti Stuart. She will represent the Martin County School
Event District in the competition to select the Florida Department of
Education’s Teacher of the Year.
By Jackie Holfelder Roberts will also receive a one-year all expenses paid lease
When the gala event announcing the name of the to an Audi or Infiniti of her choice.
Education Foundation of Martin County’s Teacher of the Candidates are selected by their peers at the individual
Year takes place, school spirit reaches a fever pitch! school levels. Community members also have the opportunity
The annual celebration, presented by Audi Stuart and to vote and share how their favorite teacher has made a
Infiniti Stuart, is filled with fun and lots of good-hearted difference to their students and in our community. Once
rivalry. nominated, each teacher must submit a comprehensive written
This year’s event took place on Nov. 8 at the Port St. Lucie portfolio and participate in an intensive interview process.
Civic Center as three teachers – out of a group of 23 – were Guests enjoyed a buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvres and salads.
selected as category winners for this highly respected honor. Each school has its own table, decorated in such themes as
The current Florida Teacher of the Year, Dr. Dakeyan Game of Thrones and Puttin’ on the Ritz. A spirited D.J. adds
Cha’ Dre’ Graham, was on hand to join in the celebration. to the upbeat atmosphere.
Category Winners Were: Schools enter the room individually, dancing and cheering
• Elementary School Teacher of the Year – Angela to music selected by its own nominee who brings up the rear
Roberts, Felix A. Williams Elementary School; award of the group accompanied by his or her own escort. Each
sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities Devin Carlson, general manager of Audi Stuart; Angie person in the entourage is attired in outfits that complement
• Middle School Teacher of the Year – Laura Leister, Roberts, Martin County Teacher of the Year and Alan the theme.
Indiantown Middle School; award sponsored by The Franciosi, general manager of Infiniti Stuart at EFMC’s
Education Foundation of Martin County Teacher of the Year event Kids Corner on page 11

Ginger Featherstone, deputy superintendent, MCSD; Dr. Dakeyan Cha’ Dre’ Graham, 2020
Florida Teacher of the Year; Jennie Bellone, Martin County High School Teacher of the
Year; Angie Roberts, Martin County Teacher of the Year and Martin County Elementary EFMC Board of Directors (back) Kate Cotner, Tyson Waters, Ian Cotner, Justin Pigott;
Teacher of the Year; Laura Leister, Martin County Middle School Teacher of the Year; and (front) Richard Kolleda, Linda Fitzpatrick, Taryn Kryzda, and Arati Hammond at EFMC’s
Linda Fitzpatrick, president, EFMC Board of Directors at EFMC’s Teacher of the Year event Teacher of the Year event

Laura Leister, Martin County Middle School Teacher of the
Year as Beauty, with The Beast at EFMC’s Teacher of the Nominee Dani Collin and staff and supporters from Bessey Creek Elementary School dressed in her Game of Thrones theme
Year event at EFMC’s Teacher of the Year event