Lillie deCastro   William T. McFatter Technical College and High School   Lillie deCastro is the magnet coordinator at William T. McFatter Technical College and High School, where she has dedicated the past 16 of her 30 years in education. She finds inspiration in the limitless potential she sees in her students, watching them discover the possibilities within themselves. “Their curiosity, resilience and ambition inspire me daily. It is this sense of purpose that makes teaching not just a career but a calling,” said deCastro    Matthew Feiler  West Broward High School  Matthew Feiler is a computer science teacher at West Broward High School, where he has served the past five of his 20-year career in education. He is driven to enrich the lives of his students by emphasizing learning beyond just content, instilling the importance of a well-rounded education and fostering a fun learning environment. “Integrating my interest in computer science with my passion for teaching has granted me the opportunity to do what inspires me each day,” said Feiler.  Richard D. Lamarre  Miramar High School  Richard D. Lamarre is a chemistry and science teacher at Miramar High School, where he has spent all of his 10 years of his career in education. He prides himself on being a positive influence in his students’ lives. "Beyond simply instructing curriculum, teachers play a pivotal role in connecting with students, inspiring them and improving their lives," said Lamarre. "I find immense satisfaction in helping students surpass their expectations and pushing them to become the scholars I know they are capable of being."   Dr. Jennifer Mehu  Park Lakes Elementary School  Dr. Jennifer Mehu, a teacher at Park Lakes Elementary School, has dedicated the past 14 of her 23-year education career to teaching kindergarten, second grade and currently, first grade. She finds inspiration in her students who continually challenge her to grow in his career. “Being an educator means contributing to the foundation of all other professions, and it is a true honor to know that I have played a role in shaping future leaders,” said Dr. Mehu.  Deanna Waters   Sawgrass Springs Middle School  Deanna Waters is a literacy coach at Sawgrass Springs Middle School, where she has served the past six of her 32 years dedicated to education. She is inspired by the profound connections between literature, learning and each child’s unique qualities. “Ultimately, it’s the shared moments of discovery and achievement that drive me as an educator,” said Waters. “I believe every child has the potential to succeed and I am dedicated to guiding them on their learning journey, celebrating their progress, and helping them embrace the joy of learning.”

• Teacher of the Year Semifinalists
• Teacher of the Year Nominees

Luke Balchaitis
Floranada Elementary School

Luke Balchaitis has dedicated the past five years of his 19-year career in education to serving as Principal at Floranada Elementary School. Before his current role, he was Assistant Principal at Virginia Shuman Young Montessori. Under his leadership, Floranada Elementary has achieved a prestigious "A" grade from the state of Florida and ranks among the top 10 elementary schools in BCPS. 

Sheneka Blue
Oriole Elementary School

Sheneka Blue is the Principal at Oriole Elementary School, where she has dedicated the past seven years of her 22-year career in education to serving students in BCPS. Before her current role, she was Assistant Principal at Wilton Manors Elementary School. Under her leadership, Oriole Elementary achieved a significant milestone by earning a “B” rating from the state of Florida for the first time in 11 years. Remarkable academic progress has been made, with K – 5^th grade reading proficiency increasing from 20% to 48% and K – 5^th grade math proficiency increasing from 11% to 50% in the past year.

Vera Perkovic
Cooper City High School

Vera Perkovic, Principal at Cooper City High School, has dedicated the past five years of her 21-year career in BCPS to serving as an educational leader. Before her current role, she was Assistant Principal at South Broward High School. Under her leadership, Cooper City High has achieved significant milestones, including an "A" grade from the state of Florida and recognition as one of the "Best High Schools in the Nation" by U.S. News & World Report. She has overseen a remarkable increase in the school's graduation rate, exceeding 99%.

• POY of the Year Semifinalists
• Principal of the Year nominees

Jerelle Robinson-Owens
Apollo Middle School

Jerelle Robinson-Owens, Assistant Principal at Apollo Middle School, has dedicated the past four years of her eight-year career to serving students. Under her leadership, Apollo Middle achieved considerable progress, earning a "B" rating from the state of Florida in 2024. According to the Florida Department of Education's school grading model, Apollo Middle demonstrated remarkable growth in student acceleration proficiency, increasing from 74% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. 

Shenee Rowe
Blanche Ely High School

Shenee Tasha Rowe, Assistant Principal at Blanche Ely High School, has dedicated the past four years to serving students in BCPS. Before her current role, she was Assistant Principal at Attucks Middle School. Under her leadership, Blanche Ely High achieved a remarkable turnaround, improving from a "D" to a "B" grade in the 2023/24 school year. Blanche Ely High was one of only two high schools in BCPS with the largest increase in English Language Arts proficiency last school year.

Dr. Dana Thomson
Cross Creek School

Dr. Dana Thomson, Assistant Principal at Cross Creek School, has dedicated the past two years of her 11 years as an administrator to advocating for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. At Cross Creek, she spearheaded efforts to empower educators and improve student outcomes. Under her leadership, the school's Florida Department of Education School Improvement Rating moved from "Unsatisfactory" to "Maintaining," with 97% of students with emotional behavioral disabilities participating in assessments.

• APOY of the Year Semifinalists
• Assistant Principal of the Year nominees

Kathy Doku
Cresthaven Elementary School

Kathy Doku is a Teacher Assistant, at Cresthaven Elementary School, where she has dedicated the past seven of her 10 years at BCPS. She is currently working with four-year-old students in the Head Start Program. “Ms. Doku is a caring hardworking individual who focuses on building meaningful relationships,” said Principal Donald Lee. “Of all her outstanding qualities, the one that endures the most is her sincere care for the Cresthaven community. She consistently conveys this through her patience and respectful approach to working with students, parents and colleagues.”

IdaZoe Pagan
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Montessori Academy

IdaZoe Pagan is the Parent Educator for Head Start at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Montessori Academy, where she has dedicated almost all her five and a half year-career serving students at BCPS. “Mrs. Pagan has been an invaluable asset to our school community,” said Principal Mitshuca Parent. “Her unwavering dedication and commitment to our families are evident in her daily interactions and the positive impact she has made on our school culture is undeniable. She serves as a bridge between the school and home, ensuring parents are well-informed and actively involved in their children's education. Her dedication, compassion and commitment to students and families are truly unparalleled.” 

Rachel Silber
Hollywood Hills High School

Rachel Silber is the Community Outreach Liaison at Hollywood Hills High School, where she has dedicated the past eight years to serving students and families in BCPS. "Hollywood Hills High is a leader in community engagement thanks to her work,” said Principal Daniel Most. “Hundreds of volunteers contribute to the school and community projects due to her efforts. Ms. Silber has also forged partnerships with local businesses and organizations, securing vital resources for our students and staff. She exemplifies dedication and sets a positive example for our students.”

Tracy-Ann Smith
Boyd H. Anderson High School

Tracy-Ann Smith, Office Manager at Boyd Anderson High School, has dedicated the past four of her 25-year career in BCPS to serving the school community. “Ms. Smith possesses a unique ability to streamline vague ideas, develop a structured approach and understand the potential impact of any initiative on our institution,” said Principal James Griffin. "Recognizing the critical importance of literacy and ensuring student success, Smith collaborated with Florida Atlantic University partners to modify their program and better meet the diverse needs of our student population. This pilot program was highly successful in helping students improve their reading skills and ultimately meet their graduation requirements."

Jonette Waters
Lake Forest Elementary School

Jonette Waters is the Technical Support Specialist at Lake Forest Elementary School, where she has dedicated the past 13 of her 30 years serving students at BCPS. “In her role, she consistently exemplifies dedication, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to supporting the technology needs of both students and staff alike,” said Principal Denise Dopico-Lizano. “She is hardworking, reliable and always goes above and beyond to ensure that any technology-related challenges or concerns are swiftly addressed. Her contributions have had a profound impact on our school, and she continues to inspire everyone with her tireless dedication and support.”

• School-Related Employee of the Year Semifinalists
• School-Related Employee of the Year Nominees