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BCPS School-Related Employee of the Year Finalists Announced
January 12, 2021
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) announces the 2021 Caliber Awards School-Related Employee of the Year finalists. The award recognizes outstanding education support personnel for the significant contributions they make to students and families across the District.
This year’s five finalists include a senior data analyst, paraprofessional, micro tech specialist, and two office managers, who have gone above and beyond to ensure BCPS students have the best education experience possible. Their commitment, contribution and support are essential to the overall success of schools and students.
The 2021 Caliber Awards School-Related Employee of the Year will be named at the Caliber Awards Ceremony, which recognizes the District’s outstanding teachers, principals, assistant principals and school-related employees.
Congratulations to the 2021 Caliber Awards School-Related Employee of the Year finalists:
Leigh Kamens is a senior data analyst in the Safety, Security & Emergency Preparedness Division, where she is responsible for all data that establishes the risk profile for the District related to safety and security. Kamens, who describes herself as “a go-getter who gets things done,” has played an integral role in advancing a safer environment for students and staff across the District.
“Ms. Kamens is willing to take on any project or task needed to advance a safer environment for our students and staff,” said Brian Katz, Chief Safety and Security Officer. “Without equivocation, she has helped to build the District’s newest division from the ground up.”
Susan May is the confidential office manager at Cresthaven Elementary School, where she has served 24 of her 35 years with the District. “My elementary school experiences have brought me a life of pleasure serving the community and watching children grow and develop,” exclaimed May. “Over the past 35 years, I’ve tried to take every opportunity to boost each child’s confidence and belief in him or herself.”
Cresthaven Elementary Principal Donald Lee said, “Mrs. May has a unique way of bringing humor, comfort and warmth to any situation. She is caring, creative and dedicated to our students and parents alike.”
Nancy Richards is a paraprofessional at Falcon Cove Middle School, where she has served all her 14 years with the District. “During my 14 years at Falcon Cove, I have worn a number of different hats to support the school,” said Richards. “I love what I’m doing, and I’m extremely dedicated to my job. I especially love working with students and parents in supporting them to be as successful as possible.”
“Mrs. Richards is a consummate professional who stays current in educational trends and continuing education opportunities to best serve her students,” said Falcon Cove Middle Principal Steven Carruth. “She truly makes our school a better place to work and learn for everyone involved.”
Jacqueline Sanchez is a micro tech specialist at Griffin Elementary School, where she has served her 21 years in the District. In addition to managing and maintaining the school’s computers and digital equipment and providing eLearning support, Sanchez assumed the role of sponsor of Griffin’s Eco Patrol and has worked with students eager to learn about their environment. “I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to combine my passion for the environment with working with students to promote environmental literacy,” said Sanchez.
Griffin Elementary Intern Principal Thomas Nordstrom said, “Mrs. Sanchez is an integral part of the school and without her, Griffin Elementary would not have the programs and technology that students are able to benefit from and participate in yearly. She is viewed as a leader.”
Sandra Sunkins is the office manager at Hollywood Central Elementary School, where she has served for 31 of her 32 years with the District. From breakfast to transportation, incentives to supplies, Sunkins ensures students have everything they need to perform each day. “My greatest contribution is the sum of all my roles – to help children grow and feel safe,” she said. “That is the best feeling.”
Hollywood Central Elementary Principal Delicia Decembert said, “Mrs. Sunkins is the perfect symbol of dedication and the epitome of what it means to be a champion of children and the village it takes to make them successful. She is highly respected and well-liked.”
The Caliber Awards presenting sponsor is BrightStar Credit Union. Supporting Caliber Awards sponsors include Aetna, Broward Principals’ and Assistants’ Association (BPAA), Broward Teachers Union, Herff Jones, JetBlue, Nova Southeastern University – Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, and Sunshine After School Child Care, Inc.
For more information about the 2021 Caliber Awards, visit browardschools.com/caliber-awards.
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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Committed to educating all students to reach their highest potential.”
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the sixth largest school district in the nation and the second largest in the state of Florida. BCPS is Florida’s first fully accredited school system since 1962. BCPS has nearly 261,500 students and approximately 110,000 adult students in 241 schools, centers and technical colleges, and 92 charter schools. BCPS serves a diverse student population, with students representing 170 different countries and 147 different languages. To connect with BCPS, visit browardschools.com, follow us on Twitter @browardschools, on Facebook at facebook.com/browardschools.com and download the free BCPS mobile app.