The ABC (Applauding Brevard’s Champions) Awards Gala, presented by Community Credit Union and hosted by Brevard Schools Foundation, was held on February 3, 2022 at the Rialto Hilton, Melbourne.
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 delighted to host this important community event which recognizes the everyday heroes who are dedicated and passionate about preparing our students for the future,” said Janice Kershaw, CEO/President, Brevard Schools Foundation. “We applaud their inspiring commitment to the education profession.”
This Year’s Top Winners
Teacher of the Year
Teacher of the Year – Alexandria Wicker, Science Teacher, Andrew Jackson Middle School
In just her third year of teaching, Ms. Wicker has already made a big impact with both her students and her peers. By bringing creative, hands-on lessons to her classroom, Ms. Wicker has been able to cater to diverse learners and spark curiosity in her students through numerous innovative projects such as creating an Outdoor Learning Area at her school. She has also been recognized for her leadership among new teaching professionals and was invited to present to Brevard Public Schools Leadership Conference and New Teacher End of Year Celebration. Ms. Wicker was named a Rookie Teacher of the Year last year and was honored this year as an Emerging Teacher of the Year.
“I strive for excellence in teaching,” said Ms. Wicker. “All students deserve an exemplary education and that is my goal every day that I step into my classroom. The impact that a teacher can have on each individual student is immeasurable, and ripples outward into the community. From small impacts to huge life-changing ones, teachers make a difference.”
Ms. Wicker 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 – Officer Jennifer Imperato, School Resource Officer, Ocean Breeze Elementary School
Employee of the Year
Known to many as “Officer Jen,” Officer Imperato has been part of the Ocean Breeze community for 12 years. She works diligently to create a safe and positive environment for students, parents, teachers and staff. Officer Imperato is involved in numerous school and community activities including bicycle and crosswalk safety, School Program to Educate and Control Drug Abuse, Trash Bash, Trunk or Treat, Tip-A-Cop and National Night Out Back to School event just to name a few. She is the facilitator of the school’s Christmas Outreach Project which collects food, clothing and other items for in-need families within the school community.
“I represent Ocean Breeze Elementary as well as Indian Harbor Beach Police Department and provide a positive link between them both,” said Officer Imperato. “I take pride in my school and get to know each student, parent and faculty member. I am forever grateful to be a member of the Ocean Breeze family and will continue to represent them with great professionalism, integrity and pride.”
Officer Imperato 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:
- Jud Kaminski, Palm Bay Magnet High School, Principal Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership
- Denise Stewart, Cocoa High 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 – Brandon Cook, Heritage High School
- Volunteer of the Year, Adult – SFC Steven Trudel, Rockledge High School
- Volunteer of the Year, Senior – Alan Beal, Merritt Island High School
Additional Award Winners
Rookie Teacher of the Year
In its second year, the Rookie of the Year award recognizes outstanding educators in their first year of teaching.
- Taylor Jenkins, Cambridge Elementary School – Rookie Teacher of the Year- Elementary
- Andrew West, Andrew Jackson Middle School – Rookie Teacher of the Year- Secondary
- Cheyenne McCully, Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School – Rookie Teacher of the Year-High School
Emerging Teachers of the Year
Emerging Teachers of the Year award, also in its second year, recognizes outstanding educators in their second year of teaching.
- Karl Webb, Discovery Elementary School, Emerging Teacher of the Year – Elementary
- Alexandria Wicker, Andrew Jackson Middle School, Emerging Teacher of the Year – Secondary
Winners in each category received a prize pack including a monetary gift from the Super Star Sponsor Community Credit Union.
Honorees received a custom commemorative coin courtesy of Highland Mint.