Mark Peters, physical education and health teacher from Port Malabar Elementary, won this year’s noteworthy title of BPS’ Teacher of the Year (TOY). The ABC (Applauding Brevard’s Champions) Awards Gala, presented by Community Credit Union and hosted by Brevard Schools Foundation was held on January 27, 2016 at the King Center for Performing Arts in Melbourne. (Brevard Public Schools image)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The ABC (Applauding Brevard’s Champions) Awards Gala, presented by Community Credit Union and hosted by Brevard Schools Foundation was held on January 27, 2016 at the King Center for Performing Arts in Melbourne.
During the gala celebration, Brevard Public Schools recognized and revealed the winners of various categories including: Administrators of the Year, Volunteers of the Year, Foundation Awards of Distinction, Employee of the Year (EOY), and the Teacher of the Year (TOY).
Mark Peters, physical education and health teacher from Port Malabar Elementary, won this year’s noteworthy title of BPS’ Teacher of the Year (TOY). Peters, who has spent his entire 32 years with the district at Port Malabar, serves the school as supervisor of the school’s crossing guards and sponsors the school’s garden club.
Another contribution is his advocacy and implementation of the school’s FAN program which combines fitness and nutrition with family fun. Additionally, he spearheads and promotes noteworthy health events such as the annual Jump Rope for Heart program, which has raised over $20,000 for the American Heart Association over the last five years.
Cindy Schutz, media assistant from Atlantis Elementary, was named BPS’ Employee of the Year (EOY). Shutz has been employed by the district for 12 years and has served in her current role for three years.
Schutz operates the circulation desk, assists the media specialist with lessons, and helps students within media class to locate resources to meet their needs. She incorporates creativity into her role as she uses her guitar to compose and perform topical songs related to media lesson plans, instructions/procedures, and literacy concepts. Schutz is actively involved in the Atlantis community as she coordinates the puppeteer club and tutors students in reading.
Desmond Blackburn
“The Brevard Schools Foundation has created a truly memorable event to recognize our schools’ champions and community advocates, who give so much to the children we serve,” said superintendent Desmond Blackburn.
“On behalf of the district, I want to thank the staff, teachers, administrators, volunteers and organizations honored during this program for their extraordinary service.”
Other winners honored during the evening included:
Cindy Schutz
Administrators of the Year
The Principal’s Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership and The Outstanding Assistant Principal Award recognizes exemplary principals and assistant principals for their contributions to their schools and communities.
Brevard’s representatives are:
• Jennifer Brockwell, Challenger 7 Elementary, 2015 Assistant Principal of the Year
• Tara Taylor, Pinewood Elementary, 2015 Principal of the Year
Volunteers of the Year
The Outstanding School Volunteer Award recognizes school volunteers who have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to their school through volunteer service. This award has four categories –youth, adult, senior and the newly added Les Stafford Lifetime Achievement Award.
Brevard’s winners are:
Mark Peters
• Truong Vo, Volunteer of the Year – youth, nominated by Eau Gallie High
• Glen Outlaw, Volunteer of the Year – adult, nominated by Cambridge Elementary
• Paul “Doc” Yankow, Volunteer of the Year – senior, nominated by Melbourne High
• Bettye Kelley, Volunteer of the Year – Les Stafford Lifetime Achievement Award
Foundation Awards of Distinction
• Suntree Elementary School PTO, Group Champion
• The Boeing Company, Corporate Champion
• Bruce Crass, Individual Champion
• Heineman Foundation, Family Champion
• The Viera Company, Local Business Champion
• Balda Family Foundation, Take Stock in Children Champion
• Harris Corporation, $1 Million Milestone
Desmond Blackburn speaks w/CTE culinary students & staff during the 2016 ABC awards reception. (Brevard County Public School’s twitter image)
In addition to Community Credit Union, this event could not have been possible without the support of the generous sponsors, which included:
For more information regarding the ABC awards, please contact Janice Kershaw, executive director for the Brevard Schools Foundation, at 321-633-1000, ext. 756 or kershaw.janice@brevardschools.org.
