You're the Best
Deputy Superintendent Maria Vazquez, Ed.D., and School Board Member District 4, Pam Gould, will be honored May 10 with a 2022 Women’s Inspired Leadership Award by i4 Business Magazine. Vazquez will be recognized in the Spirit of Advocacy category for her work with the American Heart Association Orlando chapter to champion health equity and improve the cardiovascular health of the community. Gould, who is president and CEO of Shepherd’s Hope, is being recognized in the Spirit of Community category for her dedication to the community.
At the OCPS Hall of Fame event on April 23, OCPS Superintendent Barbara Jenkins, Ed.D., received the 2022 Dr. Phillips Leadership Award from Dr. Phillips Charities, which honors nonprofit organizations that demonstrate community leadership, financial stewardship and sustainable and impactful programs that change lives. The award includes a $250,000 contribution, which will go toward the scholarship fund for teachers that Dr. Jenkins is starting as part of her retirement from the district. Clinton McCracken, art teacher and Howard Middle School Academy of Arts' coordinator, received the Magnet Schools of America’s Region III Teacher of the Year Award and was named National Magnet Schools of America Teacher of the Year at its April conference.
Christine Ducille Taylor, first-grade teacher at OCPS Academic Center for Excellence, was honored by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis with the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award - Elementary Level.
OCPS Multilingual Services held its annual Spirit of Excellence Awards virtually on April 20, which recognized English Language Learners for their academic achievement and district educators for helping students reach their potential. The following were honored in 2022:
Principals
Karen Verano Azalea Park Elementary
4 | Orange Peal
Rolando Bailey Evans High
Becky Watson Walker Middle
