Page 13 - Stuart Exposure - January '22

Stuart Exposure, Page 13

scHooL news

Martin County Teacher Of The room individually, with
Sc h oo l s e n t e r t h e
Year Selected At Joyous Event its nominee bringing
up the rear of the group
By Jackie Holfelder accompanied by his or her
Every year is a great year to celebrate teachers, but own escort. Each person in
none more so than the one just past. the entourage is attired in
Despite the challenges with which we’re well outfits which complement
acquainted, they got up, dressed up and showed up to bring the theme.
normalcy and the excitement of learning to the students of In recognition of this
the Martin County School District (MCSD). enthusiasm, The Spirit
The Education Foundation of Martin County’s Award was created this year,
(EFMC) Teacher of the Year Awards Celebration, held at thanks to the sponsorship of
the MIDFLORIDA Event Center on Dec. 10, gave 750 longtime EFMC supporter
attendees the opportunity to cheer, dance and celebrate. Treasure Coast Urgent Care.
Presented by Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart and Alfa Romeo J.D. Parker Elementary
Stuart, it was an evening filled with fun and lots of good- School was the winner of
hearted rivalry and – most importantly – the recognition the inaugural honor.
of the district’s outstanding teachers. T he E duc a t i on
This year’s winners were: Foundation of Martin
• Jessica Urbay, Felix A. Williams Elementary, 2021/22 County is a 501(c)(3)
Elementary School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by community investment
MIDFLORIDA Credit Union organization comprised LaShawnda McNair (black shirt), J.D. Parker nominee and Rob Gluckman (blue shirt) of
• Laura Bianco, Hidden Oaks Middle School, 2021/22 of business leaders, Treasure Coast Urgent Care join the staff of J.D. Parker, winner of the Spirit Award.
Middle School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by Publix community volunteers and
Super Markets Charities school officials with the common goal of enriching and
• Jeanine Bushman, South Fork High School, 2021/22 enhancing the quality of education for students and
High School Teacher of the Year – sponsored by Keiser educators in Martin County’s public schools. For more
University information visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
Urbay was selected as the Martin County Teacher of the
Year and will represent the MCSD to become the Florida Photos by Paul Careccia
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, Devin Carlson, general manager of Audi Stuart and Alfa
and advocate for the Romeo Stuart; Jessica Urbay, 2021/22 Martin County
incredible educators I work Teacher of the Year; Michael Eagle, general manager of
alongside every day is an Infiniti Stuart; and Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Millay
extraordinary opportunity.
We’ve pushed through Answer for
c o u n t l e ss c h a l l e n g e s Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Millay; Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Millay;
recently, but we have been Laura Bianco, Middle School Teacher of the Jeanine Bushman, High School Teacher of Crossword Puzzle
there for one another and for Year; and Patrick McNealy, EFMC Board the Year; and Linda Fitzpatrick, EFMC Board
our students through it all. member presenting on behalf of Publix Super member and director of Strategic Alliance at
We are difference makers Markets Charities – the sponsor of the Middle Keiser University – the sponsor of the High
for so many. More than School Teacher of the Year School Teacher of the Year
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
community.
During this special
evening, school spirit is
in full swing as everyone Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Millay;
cheers, dances, and struts Jessica Urbay, Elementary School Teacher
to the beat of specially Laura Bianco, Jeanine Bushman, and Jessica of the Year; and Karina Talalay, EFMC
selected music as each Urbay, category winners in this order – Board member and branch manager of
nominee makes his or her Middle School, High School, and Elementary MIDFLORIDA Credit Union - the sponsor of
way to the stage. School Teacher of the Year the Elementary Teacher of the Year category