You're the Best

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. 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.

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:

Azalea Park Elementary

Evans High

Walker Middle

The following teams won OCPS or Florida High School Athletic Association championships:

OCPS - Apopka Memorial Middle, coached by Melvin Bolden District - Boone High Boys, coached by Charles Nassar

State - Freedom High School Girls, coached by David Bush

District - Boone High Girls, coached by Michael Martinac District - Winter Park High Boys, coached by Barry Creighton District - Winter Park High Girls, coached by Barry Creighton

• Heidy A. Medina, ESOL paraprofessional, Acceleration

East High • Priscilla N. Quiñonez, Teacher, Aloma Elementary • Rosaria T. Zeno, Teacher, Apopka ES • Lancy M. Norman, ESOL paraprofessional, Carver Middle • Glenda M. Santiago Infanzon, ESOL paraprofessional,

Cheney Elementary • Ellen L. Smith, Teacher, Citrus Elementary • Yolanda Leon, Teacher, Eagle Creek Elementary • Andrea V. Teixeira Da Silveira, ESOL paraprofessional,

Endeavor Elementary • Monica Aviles Colon, ESOL Compliance specialist,

Hunter’s Creek Elementary • Tatiana Cozzo, ESOL paraprofessional, Hunter’s Creek

Middle • Rosa DeAmerica Ellis Garcia, Teacher, John Young

Elementary • Mishnah Tahinah Adkins, ESOL paraprofessional, Jones

High • Maria T. Diaz, ESOL paraprofessional, Killarney Elementary • Gabrielle Saintus, ESOL paraprofessional, Lake Gem

Elementary • Celeste Cardona Vazquez, Teacher, Lake Weston

Elementary • Ada M. Carballo-Carrasquillo, Teacher, Little River

Elementary • Rosita K. Castanera Garcia, Guidance Counselor,

Meadow Woods Elementary • Wanda M. Alicea, Guidance Counselor, Oak Ridge High • Carolina Rosales Vargas, paraprofessional, Ocoee

Elementary • Alexander Carr, Teacher, Orlando Gifted Academy • Rosanna A. Urrutia, ESOL paraprofessional, Orlo Vista

Elementary • Herby Vernet, ESOL paraprofessional, Pine Hills

Elementary • Jose R. Sanchez Torres, Teacher, Sally Ride Elementary • Jessica E. Jensen, Teacher, Sunset Park Elementary • Paulette E. Goenaga, Teacher, Winter Park High

Offering several staycation and leisure packages, Rosen Shingle Creek is ready to greet you with heartfelt hospitality and pamper you from head to toe. Offering all you could want in a luxurious getaway, from stunning guestrooms to AAA Four Diamond dining to abundant amenities that include a luxurious spa, championship golf course and considerably more. Every inch designed to provide you and your family all they need to build lasting, loving memories.

Proud to be a Condé Nast Traveler 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards Winner