Page 8 - Martin Downs Bulletin - January '22

Page 8, Martin Downs

sCHool news

Martin County Teacher Of

The Year Selected At Joyous
Event

By Jackie Holfelder
Every year is a great year to celebrate teachers, but
none more so than the one just past.
Despite the challenges with which we’re well
acquainted, they got up, dressed up and showed up to
bring normalcy and the excitement of learning to the
students of the Martin County School District (MCSD).
The Education Foundation of Martin County’s
(EFMC) Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, held at
the MIDFLORIDA Event Center on Dec. 10, gave 750
attendees the opportunity to cheer, dance and celebrate.
Presented by Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart and Alfa
Romeo Stuart, it was an evening filled with fun and lots
of good-hearted rivalry and – most importantly – the
recognition of the district’s outstanding teachers.
This year’s winners were:
• Jessica Urbay, Felix A. Williams Elementary, 2021/22
Elementary School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union LaShawnda McNair (black shirt), J.D. Parker nominee and Rob Gluckman (blue shirt) of Treasure Coast Urgent Care join
• Laura Bianco, Hidden Oaks Middle School, 2021/22 the staff of J.D. Parker, winner of the Spirit Award.
Middle School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by Publix
Super Markets Charities The Education Foundation of Martin County is a 501(c) quality of education for students and educators in Martin
• Jeanine Bushman, South Fork High School, 2021/22 (3) community investment organization comprised of County’s public schools. For more information visit www.
High School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by Keiser business leaders, community volunteers and school officials EducationFoundationMC.org.
University with the common goal of enriching and enhancing the Photos by Paul Careccia
Urbay was selected as the Martin County Teacher of
the Year and will represent the MCSD to become the
Florida Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year.
She says, “I was completely shocked to be named
Martin County Teacher of the Year. To represent,
encourage, and advocate for the incredible educators I
work alongside every day is an extraordinary opportunity.
We’ve pushed through countless challenges recently, but
we have been there for one another and for our students
through it all. We are difference makers for so many.
More than anything I’m overflowing with gratitude.”
This celebration is not like the usual awards ceremony.
It’s a festive party that celebrates each nominee for his or
her unique contributions to the classroom, students and Devin Carlson, general manager of Audi Stuart and Alfa
community. Romeo Stuart; Jessica Urbay, 2021/22 Martin County Laura Bianco, Jeanine Bushman, and Jessica Urbay,
During this special evening, school spirit is in full Teacher of the Year; Michael Eagle, general manager of category winners in this order – Middle School, High School,
swing as everyone cheers, dances, and struts to the beat Infiniti Stuart; and Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Millay and Elementary School Teacher of the Year
of specially selected music as each nominee makes his
or her way to the stage.
Schools enter the room individually, with its nominee
bringing up the rear of the group accompanied by his or
her own escort. Each person in the entourage is attired
in outfits which complement the theme.
In recognition of this enthusiasm, The Spirit Award was
created this year, thanks to the sponsorship of longtime
EFMC supporter Treasure Coast Urgent Care.
J.D. Parker Elementary School was the winner of the
inaugural honor.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Millay; Jeanine Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Millay; Jessica Urbay,
Bushman, High School Teacher of the Year; and Linda Elementary School Teacher of the Year; and Karina
Fitzpatrick, EFMC Board member and director of Strategic Talalay, EFMC Board member and branch manager of
Alliance at Keiser University – the sponsor of the High MIDFLORIDA Credit Union - the sponsor of the Elementary
School Teacher of the Year Teacher of the Year category

Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Millay; Laura Bianco,
Middle School Teacher of the Year; and Patrick McNealy,
EFMC Board member presenting on behalf of Publix Super
Markets Charities – the sponsor of the Middle School Teacher
of the Year

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