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Recognizing and Celebrating Broward County Public Schools Outstanding Teachers, Principals, Assistant Principals and School-Related/District Employees.

The School-Related/District Employee of the Year Award recognizes outstanding non-instructional support personnel for the significant contributions to our schools and communities. The award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their jobs, thereby earning the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, co-workers and parents.

Mary Alvarez
Lyons Creek Middle School

Mary Alvarez, confidential secretary and office manager at Lyons Creek Middle School, boosts a 16-year perfect attendance record. Described as a consummate professional, she is committed to ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming school environment.

Alvarez is willing to do whatever is needed to get the job done. Her outstanding interpersonal skills contribute to camaraderie among clerical staff, administrators, faculty, students and Parent Teacher Association members alike. She has earned the respect of her school community and all stakeholders.

Solange Dawson
Heron Heights Elementary School

Solange Dawson supervises Before & After School Child Care (BASCC) at Heron Heights Elementary School, where she leads a staff of 20, coordinates activities, recruits personnel and oversees the supervision of students. Her passion for education is Dawson’s foundation for success.

She has initiated diverse activities to broaden student learning while having fun. Hard working and conscientious, Dawson serves as a mentor and trainer in the BASCC program community, sharing her knowledge with staff at schools throughout the District.

Nikole Gray
Dillard Elementary School 

Nikole Gray’s ability to work with students from diverse backgrounds contributes to her success as a paraprofessional at Dillard Elementary School. Formerly serving as a community liaison, she enrolled in university courses to increase her knowledge and develop the social skills needed to become an effective paraprofessional. Gray’s primary responsibilities include assisting teachers with classroom instruction, creating a safe and comfortable learning environment, and maintaining open communication with parents. She often serves as an interim substitute teacher and collaborates with teachers to find solutions to help all students. Gray’s contributions are not limited to the classroom. She shares her knowledge and expertise with her colleagues and others. She is recognized for her work with numerous family and community events, including Art Walk, College Week, Literacy Night, Peace Week and multi-cultural events.”

Shilpa Parikh
Winston Park Elementary School

As micro computer technology specialist, Shilpa Parikh manages and maintains technology throughout Winston Park Elementary School. She oversees the school website, computer hardware and software, and coordinates students’ online testing. In her 16 years at Winston Park Elementary, Parikh has never been constrained by a job title. She’s done it all – independently and as part of a team.

No task is too big or too small. Also a frequent volunteer, she is an active member of the Parent Teacher Association and serves on a number of school committees.

Jacqueline R. Sanchez
Griffin Elementary School

Jacqueline Sanchez is a micro computer technical specialist at Griffin Elementary School where she provides technical assistance and computer hardware and software support. Devoted to her students and parents, she opens the computer lab at 7:30 a.m. so that students can work on computer-based literacy activities. Sanchez is best known for the responsibilities she assumes outside of her primary role. For the past eight years, she has sponsored the Eco-Patrol Environmental Club and helped students to operate a recycling service to learn more about protecting and saving the environment. She has helped the school to receive several environmental grants and awards.

Nicole Sanchez
Coral Glades High School

Nicole Sanchez has served as secretary for the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Department at Coral Glades High School since 2008. As an administrative secretary, her responsibilities include working with Business Partners in Education and serving on the Innovation Zone Committee. Over the past eight years, Sanchez has contributed to the school and community beyond her duties as secretary. One of her most notable successes is the ESE Transition Fair, an annual event where ESE students who will graduate or age out of the program and their parents can learn about community resources. Sanchez is a mentor to students and colleagues alike.