The ABC (Applauding Brevard’s Champions) Awards Gala, presented by Champion Sponsor Community Credit Union, was held on January 25, 2023, at the Radisson at the Port, Cape Canaveral. During the celebration, Brevard Public Schools announced their annual award winners from various categories including: Administrators of the Year, Volunteers of the Year, Employee of the Year (EOY), and the Teacher of the Year (TOY). Two additional categories included Rookie Teacher of the Year (first year teachers) and Emerging Teacher of the Year (second year teachers).
“We are excited to continue this important community event that ‘Applauds Brevard’s Champions’ – our everyday heroes in Brevard’s Public Schools,” said Janice Kershaw, CEO/President, Brevard Schools Foundation. “The teachers, employees, administrators, and volunteers are dedicated and passionate about preparing our students for the future. This event allows us to applaud a selection of them for their commitment to the Brevard’s Best Education.”
The event was live streamed via Space Coast Daily.
The 2023 Top Winners
Teacher of the Year – Pamela Brockmeyer, Mathematics Teacher, Cocoa High School
Nominated by her peers and selected by a review committee, Mrs. Brockmeyer stood out for her positive attitude, competitive spirit, incredible commitment to student achievement, and overwhelming contributions to her school community. With over 24 years as an educator, she extended her influence beyond the classroom also serving as math department head, Brevard Federation Teachers building representative, Girls Golf Coach, football announcer, mentor and professional development presenter, and Advanced Placement Board exam reader. Entering here advanced match classes, such as Algebra 2 and AP Calculus, Mrs. Brockmeyer utilizes engagement techniques to encourage students to learn the content from multiple perspectives. She creates math games to excite students about the challenges of the rigorous coursework and encourages positive competition o help make learning fund in what can be a frustrating lass for some. In her teacher leadership roles, Mrs. Brockmeyer’s experience and her positive spirit of collaboration lead her mentees and peers to seek her assistance implementing best practice instructional strategies, such as Kagan.
Ms. Brockmeyer will represent Brevard at the state level and be considered for the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education which acts as a representative and spokesperson for the teaching profession throughout Florida.
Learn more about Mrs. Brockmeyer and the 5 other Teacher of the Year Finalists on our YouTube channel.
Employee of the Year – Roderick Foster, Technology Associate, Ronald McNair Magnet Middle School
Mr. Foster bridges the gap in technology and education from the district level to direct support at the school level for McNair Magnet Middle School. As the
district deploys various initiatives and technologies to meet the needs of students and teachers inside and outside the classroom, Mr. Foster works with the Educational Technology team to support the system, teachers and students.
“Since I became an employee of Brevard Public Schools and McNair, I’ve been driven by my motivation to be a source of support and guidance and serve as a productive resident of our Rockledge community,” said Mr. McNair. “I always start my day with this motto in mind, ‘Be the standard,’ and lead by doing my best and trying to be better than the day before.”
Mr. Foster will represent Brevard in the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year program.
Hear from Mr. Foster and the other 5 finalists on our YouTube channel.
Administrators of the Year
The Principal’s Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership and the Outstanding Assistant Principal Award recognizes exemplary principals and assistant principals for their contributions to their schools and communities. Awards were announced at the school district’s annual summer leadership conference. Brevard’s representatives are:
- Blair Lovelace, Coquina Elementary School, Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership 2022
- Kelly Grugan, Riviera Elementary School, Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award 2022
Volunteers of the Year
Community involvement through volunteerism serves to strengthen our schools and our Volunteer of the Year awards acknowledge that important role. Volunteers are selected based on the number of hours of service, years, of service, type of contribution and/or characteristics of services rendered. These individuals and the many other school Volunteers of the Year will be first in line to tackle any need. The Outstanding School Volunteer Award recognizes school volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to their school through volunteer service. This award has three categories –youth, adult, and senior.
Brevard’s winners are:
- Volunteer of the Year, Youth – Emma Aiken, Heritage High School
- Volunteer of the Year, Adult – Robert Koehler, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. and Space Coast Jr./Sr. High Schools
- Volunteer of the Year, Senior – Andrew Daniher, Merritt Island High School
Additional Award Winners
The Rookie and Emerging Teacher of the Year awards recognize that new teachers can make a powerful impact on their schools and students. These exceptionally skilled and dedicated first and second year teachers at the high school, middle school, and elementary school level have gained the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues. These teachers inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities, are dedicated and passionate about education.
New teachers bring the advantage of new strengths to the classroom, new energy and new perspectives to their schools. Like the teacher of the year, our rookie and emerging teachers were chosen based on criteria that ultimately demonstrate their effectiveness related to student achievement.
Rookie Teachers of the Year
The Rookie of the Year award recognizes outstanding educators in their first year of teaching.
- Jana Doss, Ralph M. Williams, Jr. Elementary School – Rookie Teacher of the Year – Elementary
- Megan Hutera, Herbert C. Hoover Middle School – Rookie Teacher of the Year – Middle
- Brooke Davis, Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School – Rookie Teacher of the Year – Secondary
Emerging Teachers of the Year
Emerging Teachers of the Year award recognizes outstanding educators in their second year of teaching.
- Ashe-Leigh Wells, West Melbourne Elementary School, Emerging Teacher of the Year – Elementary
- Sharona Franklin, Stone Magnet Middle School, Emerging Teacher of the Year – Middle
- Melanie Richardson, West Shore Jr./Sr. High School, Emerging Teacher of the Year – Secondary
Check out the evening’s program which includes all the honorees in all categories.
Check out more photos from the January 26, 2023 evening at these links:
ABC Awards Dinner and Ceremony Photos 1
ABC Awards Dinner and Ceremony Photos 2
ABC Awards Dinner and Ceremony Photos 3
See photos from the Employee of the Year Reception at these links:
Employee of the Year Event Photos 1 (code: 933343)
Employee of the Year Event Photos 2