VIERA, FLORIDA – The ABC (Applauding Brevard’s Champions) Awards Gala, presented by Community Credit Union and hosted by Brevard Schools Foundation was held on January 30, 2014 at the King Center in Melbourne. During the gala, Brevard Public Schools recognized and revealed the winners of various categories including: Administrators of the Year, Volunteers of the Year, Foundation Awards of Distinction, Employee of the Year (EOY), and the Teacher of the Year (TOY). Congratulations to all of the winners!
- Matthew Yount, fifth/sixth grade math teacher from Atlantis Elementary, won this year’s noteworthy title of BPS’ Teacher of the Year (TOY). Yount has been employed by the district for six years and has been an inspiration to students, parents, colleagues, and administrators alike. Yount utilizes his skills as a teacher and leader to establish connections that go above and beyond the norm. During his acceptance speech, Yount recognized the honor of the award by stating, “It will be my absolute pleasure to represent Brevard County at the next level.”
- Sandra Woodard, Media Assistant from Suntree Elementary and 20 year Navy veteran, was named BPS’ Employee of the Year (EOY). Woodard has been employed by the district for three years and in that time has made a deep impression on her school’s community. Woodard’s school involvement, positive attitude, and exceptional dedication to professional development serve as an excellent example to other staff. Woodard recognized her peers during her acceptance speech as she said “I am so proud and deeply honored to have been selected as Brevard County’s EOY and to be among Brevard’s finest here.”
“The Brevard Schools Foundation has created a truly gala event to recognize and appreciate champions in our schools and in our community who give so much for the children we serve,” expressed Superintendent Dr. Brian Binggeli. “We are so proud of the staff, teachers, administrators, volunteers and organizations honored during this program and we thank them for their exemplary service.”
Other winners honored during the evening included:
Administrators of the Year
The Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership and The Outstanding Assistant Principal Award was established to recognize exemplary principals and assistant principals for their contributions to their schools and communities.
Brevard’s representatives are:
- Kimberly Stockton, Cocoa High School, 2013 Assistant Principal of the Year
- Joseph Loffek, Gemini Elementary School, 2013 Principal of the Year
Volunteers of the Year
The Outstanding School Volunteer Award is presented to school volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to their school through volunteer service. This award is given in three categories –youth, adult, and senior.
Brevard’s winners are:
- Olivia Pavick, Volunteer of the Year – Youth, nominated by Oak Park Elementary School
- Nancy Bree, Volunteer of the Year – Adult, nominated by Golfview Elementary Magnet School
- Farley Adams, Volunteer of the Year – Senior, nominated by McNair Magnet Middle School
Foundation Awards of Distinction
- Children in Need Committee (Space Coast Realtors Association), Group Champion
- Harris Corporation, Corporate Champion
- Jeri Ronaldson, Individual Champion
- Ambika and Ravi Palaniyandi, Family Champion
- Dean Stewart Photography, Local Business Champion
- Jim and Jonnie Swann, Take Stock in Children Champion
In addition to Community Credit Union, this event could not have been possible without the support of the generous sponsors which included:
Red Carpet Presenting Sponsors
- Bright House Networks, presenting the Teacher of the Year award
- Harris Corporation, presenting the Employee of the Year award
1987 Society Chairman’s Reception Sponsor
- Wuesthoff Health Systems
- Fame Sponsors
Dean Stewart Photography - IAP Worldwide Services
- Publix Charities
- Wells Fargo
Spotlight Sponsors
- Florida Power and Light
- McGladrey
- Northrop Grumman
- Office Depot
- Skanska USA Building
- Space Coast Realtors Association
- The Viera Company
- Wells Fargo Advisors, Ray Pfleuger and Don Adams
Media Sponsors
- A Cut Above Video
- Clear Channel Outdoor
- FLORIDA TODAY
- Metrobench Advertising
- News 13
For more information regarding the ABC awards, please contact Janice Kershaw, executive director for the Brevard Schools Foundation, at 321-633-1000, ext. 756 or kershaw.janice@brevardschools.org.