BCPS Celebrates Educational Excellence at the 2025 Caliber Awards
Richard D. Lamarre, Science Teacher at Miramar High School
Named Teacher of the Year
The red carpet rolled out tonight as Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) celebrated the inspiring work of educators and staff who make a significant difference in the lives of students and contribute to the success of their communities. Held at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, the celebration Hollywood glamour, recognizing the exceptional leadership and dedication of 526 nominees. Out of that group, 33 semifinalists were identified, then 16 extraordinary finalists were selected as the best of the best in a total of four categories.
More than 1,000 attendees, joined by thousands more watching online and through the live broadcast, celebrated the nominees as they took the stage. The evening culminated with the highly anticipated announcement of the 2025 Caliber Award winners, each a shining example of educational excellence.
Richard D. Lamarre, a dedicated chemistry and science teacher at Miramar High School, known for his innovative teaching methods and inspiring students to pursue STEM careers, was named BCPS Teacher of the Year. The ceremony also recognized Sheneka Blue (Oriole Elementary School) as Principal of the Year, Shenee Rowe (Blanche Ely High School) as Assistant Principal of the Year, and Tracy-Ann Smith (Boyd H. Anderson High School) as School-Related Employee of the Year.
"The Caliber Awards celebrate the incredible impact educators and staff have on our students and our community," said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. "These outstanding individuals embody the power of collaboration, innovation and dedication. We are incredibly proud of our Caliber Award winners and deeply grateful for their tireless commitment to shaping a brighter future for our students."
Congratulations to all the 2025 Caliber Awards winners.
Teacher of the Year
Richard D. Lamarre, Miramar High School
Inspired by the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful tool to change the world,” and guided by the strong work ethic instilled in him by his parents, Lamarre has dedicated his career to empowering students. A teacher at Miramar High School for more than 10 years, he is a passionate and purposeful leader, renowned for his ability to connect with students on a personal level and inspire them to reach their full potential.
Lamarre's dedication to student success is evident in their academic achievements. Through targeted instruction and an emphasis on critical thinking, the pass rate for his Advanced Placement Environmental Science students increased by 43.9% in one year, and his International Baccalaureate Chemistry students' pass rate improved from 33.3% to 61.5% over a three-year period.
"Teachers do more than instruct; they connect with students, inspire them and improve their lives," said Lamarre. "I find immense satisfaction in helping students exceed their own expectations and becoming the scholars, I know they can be.”
Lamarre is not only a leader in the classroom, but also a respected leader within the school and the community. Well-known locally and nationally for his passion for environmental sustainability, Lamarre is certified as a Master Gardener Volunteer and has spearheaded efforts to transform Miramar High into a certified Green Flag Eco-School designated by the National Wildlife Federation, honoring the school's commitment to environmental stewardship.
Principal of the Year
Sheneka Blue
Oriole Elementary School
Sheneka Blue, Principal at Oriole Elementary School, has 22 years of dedicated service in education at BCPS. With more than seven years leading the school, Blue has continued to make a profound impact at Oriole Elementary. Under her leadership, K – 5th grade proficiency soared from 20% to 48%, while math proficiency surged from 11% to 50%. This remarkable progress culminated in the school earning a "B" rating from the state of Florida – a first in 11 years.
"In a rapidly changing world, education must prioritize the development of 21st-century skills,” said Blue. “By cultivating inquiry, innovation and critical thinking, we empower students to become adaptable learners and problem-solvers who can navigate an uncertain future."
Beyond the classroom, Blue fosters a love of reading through her weekly "Oriole Bedtime Story" on Facebook Live, reaching students and families worldwide. A strong advocate for experiential learning, she actively participates in field trips, competitions and reward programs to enrich student experiences. When not leading at Oriole Elementary, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.
Assistant Principal of the Year
Shenee Rowe
Blanche Ely High School
Blanche Ely High School Assistant Principal Shenee Rowe has dedicated 14 years to BCPS, the last four at Blanche Ely High. Her leadership has been instrumental in the school's remarkable progress, including achieving a "B" grade in the 2023/24 school year and one of the largest increases in English Language Arts proficiency in the District.
"I believe all children deserve access to an education that empowers them to succeed,” said Rowe. "Beyond academics, we must cultivate essential life skills, like critical thinking, problem-solving and resilience to empower students to become well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society."
Rowe's journey to education was an unexpected but transformative one. After graduating with a degree in biomedical science, she discovered her true passion was in teaching. She now "saves lives" by inspiring and nurturing young minds.
School-Related Employee of the Year
Tracy-Ann Smith
Boyd H. Anderson High School
Tracy-Ann Smith, Office Manager at Boyd H. Anderson High School, has dedicated five of her 25-year career in BCPS to serving the Boyd H. Anderson High community. Her strong leadership and project management skills have streamlined operations, significantly contributing to the school's efficiency and success. A champion for literacy, Smith partnered with Florida Atlantic University to create a successful pilot program addressing the needs of diverse learners and boosting graduation outcomes.
"I believe hard work and dedication are essential," said Smith. "I am committed to creating an environment where every student can develop their strengths and achieve excellence.”
Smith brings the same energy and dedication to her personal life. Outside of work, she enjoys an active lifestyle, pursuing her passion for gymnastics and perfecting skills like cartwheels, runoffs and handstands.
Caliber Awards Sponsors
The Caliber Awards presenting sponsor is BrightStar Credit Union. Supporting sponsors include Aetna, After School Programs (ASP), Broward Education Foundation, Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association, Broward Teachers Union, The Corradino Group, Florida Blue, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), HCA Florida Healthcare, JetBlue, Nova Southeastern University Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, and Sunshine After School Childcare.
For more information about the 2025 Caliber Awards, visit browardschools.com/caliber-awards.
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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is a proud “A” rated District, serving as the sixth-largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. As Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962, BCPS educates more than 247,000 students and approximately 125,000 adult learners across 239 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 88 charter schools. BCPS supports a diverse student population representing 174 different countries and speaking 157 languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on “X” @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools, on Instagram @browardschoolsofficial, on YouTube at youtube.com/browardschoolsvideos and download the free BCPS mobile app at browardschools.com/MobileApp.
