BREVARD COUNTY, FL – The ABC (Applauding Brevard’s Champions) Awards Gala, presented by Community Credit Union and hosted by Brevard Schools Foundation, was held on February 1, 2024, at the Radisson Resort 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).
Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell emphasized the significance of all the honorees’ contributions, stating, “All of the nominees for Teacher, Administrator, Employee and Volunteer of the Year represent the best of us. They each make valuable contributions to the educational experience for our students. Everyone’s role may be different, but each person’s impact is integral to our mission.”
“We recognize the importance of what our educational community does for the Brevard community,” said Janice Kershaw, CEO/President, Brevard Schools Foundation. “The ABC (Applauding Brevard’s Champions) Awards Gala reinforces the personal mission and purpose of the teachers, employees, administrators, and volunteers who are dedicated and passionate about preparing our students for the future. This event acknowledges the role each plays in achieving excellence in Brevard Public Schools.”
This year’s top winners are:
Teacher of the Year – Deborah Price, 6th Grade Teacher, Riviera Elementary School
Riviera Elementary School’s distinguished 6th-grade teacher, Deborah Price, has been selected as Brevard Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year. This recognition comes as a culmination of Deborah’s outstanding achievements, commitment to educational excellence, and unwavering dedication to her students.
Over the past five years, Deborah has garnered several accolades, including being named Brevard’s representative for the 2017 Florida Reading Association Elementary Reading Teacher of the Year and receiving the Florida Department of Education High Impact Teacher distinction twice.
Deborah’s passion for education extends beyond the classroom. She was awarded the Dollar General Literacy Foundation Grant in 2019, showcasing her commitment to literacy initiatives. Additionally, she was chosen to present at ECET2 in 2018 on the topic of “Putting the Pieces Together to Engage and Empower Students with Text.” Her nomination for Excellent Science Teacher of the Year reflects her dedication to integrating science seamlessly into her reading block. She has mentored young teachers at Riviera Elementary, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards and encouraging individual excellence.
Deborah’s love for teaching is deeply rooted in her personal journey of overcoming adversity. Born to be a teacher, she sees herself as an example to her students, instilling the belief that perseverance leads to success. Her commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, as she provides mini scholarships to former Riviera students, fostering their dreams of attending college.
“I am deeply honored to represent the teachers of Brevard County as the Teacher of the Year,” shared Mrs. Price. “I want to express my gratitude to my fellow finalists and acknowledge the teachers who shaped my educational journey at Roy Allen Elementary, Creel Elementary, Johnson Middle School, and Eau Gallie High School. Special thanks to the administration, faculty, staff, and students at Riviera Elementary – it’s a true blessing to teach and work with you every day.”
Mrs. Price will represent Brevard at the state level and will be considered for the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education which acts as a representative and spokesperson for the teaching profession throughout Florida.
Employee of the Year – Terri Bagby, Before & After Care Coordinator, Quest Elementary School
Terri Bagby, honored as Brevard Public Schools’ Employee of the Year in November, continues to shine as an exemplary figure at Quest Elementary School. Praised by Principal Karry Castillo for
her heart for children and exceptional contributions, Mrs. Bagby played a pivotal role in Quest Elementary achieving recognition as a Superior Gold Key Site.
Mrs. Bagby’s commitment to building relationships and enhancing programs is showcased through her leadership in various initiatives, including Strings, the school garden, Science Saturdays, and the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). She spearheaded a successful summer program, providing essential childcare services and generating unrestricted revenue for the school. Her dedication extends beyond official duties, volunteering during school registration, parent engagement events, and supporting students with challenging behaviors.
Reflecting on her role and nomination, Mrs. Bagby shared, “My motto is, ‘Find something you love to do, specialize in it, and be the best you can be.’ I’m so lucky to have a job that fulfills my love daily, and I’m thankful for this honor.”
Mrs. Terri Bagby will represent Brevard in the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year program.
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:
- Robert (Bobby) Pruett, Satellite Hight School, Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership
- Kellee McCluney, Saturn Elementary School, Outstanding Assistant Principal Achievement Award
Volunteers of the Year
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 – Natalee Dutill, Heritage High School
- Volunteer of the Year, Adult – Jacqueline Riemersma, Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School
- Volunteer of the Year, Senior – Dianne Jackson, University Park Elementary School
Rookie Teacher of the Year- Recognize outstanding educators in their first year of teaching.
- Joshua Katz, Croton Elementary School – Rookie Teacher of the Year- Elementary
- Amanda Taylor, Southwest Middle School – Rookie Teacher of the Year- Middle
- Brooke Haid, Rockledge High School – Rookie Teacher of the Year-Secondary
Emerging Teachers of the Year- Recognizes outstanding educators in their second year of teaching.
- Alexis Henriquez, Longleaf Elementary School, Emerging Teacher of the Year – Elementary
- Rachel Moore, Stone Magnet Middle School, Emerging Teacher of the Year – Middle
- Sophia Wixted, West Shore Jr./Sr. High School, Emerging Teacher of the Year – Secondary
Winners in each category received a prize pack including a monetary gift from Community Credit Union Florida. Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year honorees received a custom commemorative coin courtesy of Highland Mint.
Thanks to Space Coast Daily for livestreaming the event and taking time to interview honorees and attendees.
Re-watch the event here.
See the interviews here.
Check out Florida Today’s photo gallery from the evening.
Watch interviews with Deborah Price, Brevard Public Schools 2024 Teacher of Year.
Florida Today Interview
Space Coast Daily Interview
Thanks to Dean Stewart Photography for photos of the night’s honorees and attendees.
