Community Involvement Awards

Cherish Samuel 
Miramar High School 

Cherish Samuel has demonstrated exceptional dedication to service and school engagement, completing an impressive 2,300 community service hours over her four years of high school. Her commitment reflects a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for contributing meaningfully to her school community. These hours were earned through impactful roles, including serving as an office aide, where Ms. Samuel supported daily administrative operations and assisted staff with reliability and professionalism. In the Athletics Department, she contributed as a manager for football, track and field, and volleyball, supporting team organization, coordinating events, and helping ensure program success. An outgoing and driven senior, Ms. Samuel consistently exemplifies leadership, perseverance, and a deep commitment to service. With plans to attend Broward College to pursue her degree, Ms. Samuel will continue to build on the strong foundation she has established through her sustained involvement and dedication.

Individual of the Year Award 
Seth Hyman
Exceptional Student Education Department

Seth Hyman is a dedicated community advocate passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. Inspired by his medically complex daughter, Rebecca, he has spent two decades advancing awareness, access, and support for the most vulnerable. Mr. Hyman helped shape key state laws and partnered with the Broward Sheriff’s Office to create the BECCA Emergency Program, supporting first responders in caring for children with critical medical needs. In August 2025, Mr. Hyman was appointed to the Broward County Public Schools ESE Advisory Committee (District 6), advising School Board Member Adam Cervera and advocating for students with disabilities. Mr. Hyman is a South Florida real estate professional with Douglas Elliman who, alongside his wife Danielle, helps families buy and sell homes with a personalized, hands-on approach. Compassion, dedication, and advocacy define both his professional and personal life.

Group of the Year Award
Dennis Tennis
Serving Love

Dennis Tennis Serving Love, co-founded by Dennis Quaye and Brittany Odom-Quaye, provides tennis clinics for youth in underserved communities across the United States and internationally. Through intentional programming, the organization introduces young people to the fundamentals of tennis while emphasizing sportsmanship, safety and the joy of play, in a supportive and engaging environment. Rooted in the belief that access to sport can be transformative, the organization engages youth through after-school enrichment programs, school-based career-day experiences, and partnerships with community-based organizations. This multi-faceted approach ensures that students gain exposure to the sport, while discovering pathways for personal growth, mentorship, and future opportunities. The organization currently partners with Cross Creek School, Oriole Elementary School, Sunrise Middle School, and Cresthaven Elementary School to expand access, foster inclusion, and create meaningful experiences that empower youth and strengthen the communities they serve.

 School Mentoring Initiatives - Elementary Level
Darryl Wilson
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School / Mentoring Program: Dream Achievers

The Dream Achievers mentoring program's core objective revolves around helping young boys grow into their best selves- academically, socially, and emotionally. The program provides consistent support, encouragement, and positive role models who guide students in making good choices at school and in life. Through weekly mentoring sessions, students participate in activities such as goal setting, teamwork, problem-solving, and meaningful conversations.

School Mentoring Initiatives – Secondary Level
Joyce Davis
Olsen Middle School / Mentoring Program: Pearl Girlz

The Pearl Girlz Mentoring Program is designed to empower young girls by helping them navigate the challenges of adolescence while building confidence, character, and a strong sense of self. At its core, the program focuses on addressing relational aggression, often seen through gossip, exclusion, and social media behaviors, and replacing it with accountability, empathy, and positive decision-making.

Peer Mentoring
Christopher White
Hollywood High School 

As a senior and Mentoring Tomorrow's Leaders President at Hollywood Hills High School, Christopher White has dedicated his student life to helping others, making him a truly deserving recipient of this honor. With over 820 service hours, his commitment to service, leadership, and mentorship has made a lasting impact on his peers and school community. Mr. White is described as “an amazing, hardworking, and thoughtful young man who is full of life and willing to share his uplifting talents freely with other.” His dedication and character reflect the very best of the Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders program. Mr. white plans to pursue a degree in Digital Design at either Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton or Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. 

Safe Schools South Florida

Safe Schools South Florida (SSSF) champions the rights of LGBTQ+ youth, educators, and parents by creating safe environments through advocacy, education, and support. SSSF foster well-being both physically and emotionally, addressing anti-bullying, safer sex, and HIV/AIDS awareness. The organization works to empower communities with inclusive policies and resources that promote equity and respect for all individuals. Through collaboration and outreach, SSSF strives to build a culture where every person feels seen, valued, and protected. 

District Advisory/Committee Volunteer of the Year
Jacqui Luscombe
Exceptional Student Education Advisory Committee

Jacqui Luscombe is the Chair of Broward County Public Schools Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Advisory Committee. She is an engaged and thoughtful participant who consistently centers discussions on the real needs of families, advocating with purpose while bringing compassion, accountability, and a trusted voice to the ESE Advisory Committee’s work. Ms. Luscombe goes well beyond expected responsibilities, selflessly investing her time and energy to ensure families feel informed, valued, and heard. She approaches challenges with resilience and determination, seeking solutions and adapting to overcome barriers. Beyond her direct contributions, Ms. Lucombe serves as a model of leadership and inspires others through her example. She builds strong, authentic relationships with families, staff, and community members, fostering an environment of collaboration. Her ability to lead with empathy while maintaining a solutions-oriented mindset encourages others to engage more deeply and work collectively toward positive outcomes. Ms. Luscombe’s leadership not only strengthens the Committee but also leaves a lasting imprint on the broader community she so passionately serves.

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Adult Volunteer of the Year
Enrique Rodriguez, Sr.
Pembroke Lakes Elementary School

Enrique Rodriguez, Sr. is a devoted and dedicated volunteer at Pembroke Lakes Elementary School. As the PTA Recording Secretary, Mr. Rodriguez has demonstrated exceptional commitment and creativity, contributing over 500 volunteer hours during this school year. In his role, Mr. Rodriguez ensures accurate record-keeping, effective communication, and organizational efficiency within the PTA. Leveraging his professional expertise as a graphic designer, Mr. Rodriguez revamped the school’s website and developed a custom mobile app, creating a centralized, user-friendly hub for school announcements, events, and resources. His contributions have strengthened connections between the school, students and their families, enhanced school climate, supported school-based initiatives, and fostered a more engaged and informed environment. Through his innovation, dedication, and selfless service, Mr. Rodriguez has made a lasting and meaningful impact on Pembroke Lakes Elementary School.

Senior Volunteer of the Year 
Johnny McCray, Jr.
Boyd H. Anderson High School

Johnny McCray Jr. has made a profound and lasting impact as a volunteer coach at Boyd H. Anderson High School. A proud product of the District, his work is deeply personal, extending far beyond athletics to focus on shaping character, discipline, and life readiness. He invests over 1,200 hours annually, and fundraises each year to provide uniforms, equipment, and travel opportunities for students. Mr. McCray’s mentorship includes impactful conversations informed by his professional experience as a criminal defense attorney, helping students understand the consequences of their choices and guiding them toward purpose-driven decisions. Having mentored hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to college and successful careers, his impact is both far-reaching and lasting. Mr. McCray’s lifelong dedication exemplifies the transformative power of volunteerism, consistently inspiring young people to overcome challenges, pursue their potential, and build a better future.

Youth Volunteer of the Year
Mia Rose Suarez
Hollywood Hills School 

Mia Rose Suarez exemplifies service, leadership, and meaningful impact through nearly 800 documented community service hours, along with many additional unrecorded contributions. She is deeply committed to mentorship and inclusion, supporting students through Peers as Partners by fostering confidence, social connection, and a true sense of belonging for students with disabilities. Ms. Suarez also contributes to the Kiwanis Exceptional Rider Program and Bar-B Ranch, where she helps individuals with special needs build physical skills and emotional resilience. As Vice President of her class, President of Students Working Against Tobacco, and a multi-sport varsity captain, Ms. Suarez leads by example, combining creativity and innovation to design inclusive programs and initiatives that engage her peers and strengthen school culture.

BCPS One Broward School Support Initiative features our District staff making a meaningful impact by volunteering in our schools. For this school year, to date there are nearly 900 school visits completed by more than 630 employees.

One Broward Employee Champion Award
María F. Barragán-Casado
Mental Health Services Department

One Broward Department of Distinction Award
Mental Health Services Department
Director: Vernicca Wynter