Brevard Public Schools Honored with Best Special Project Award for Inaugural Enlistment Ceremony at Viera High
By Space Coast Daily // November 11, 2025
award presented during VyStar Good Deeds Foundation Veterans Day Recognition Dinner
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Public Schools has been honored with the 2025 Best Special Project Award for its exceptional Enlistment Ceremony held on May 15 at Viera High School.
This recognition highlights Brevard Public Schools’ commitment to celebrating students who choose to serve our nation through military careers.
The award was presented during the First Annual VyStar Good Deeds Foundation Veterans Day Recognition Dinner, hosted by the Military Officers Association of America Cape Canaveral Chapter and the Good Deeds Foundation.
The event brought together elected officials, community leaders, veterans, and advocates to honor service and dedication, featuring keynote speaker Congressman Mike Haridopolos and an auction hosted by Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
“This award reflects our district’s deep respect for students who commit to serving our country,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell.
“We are honored to be recognized for creating an event that celebrates their courage and dedication.”
The Enlistment Ceremony provided a meaningful platform for students to publicly affirm their decision to join the armed forces, with participation from multiple military branches and strong community support.
The ceremony featured an array of dignitaries, including a representative from the Pentagon in Washington, DC, at Viera High School Stadium.
“The fact that this is the highest number of students who have enlisted in military service ever in the history of Brevard Public Schools says a lot about these students, says a lot about this county, and says even more about the families and community that raised them,” said Brevard Public School Board member Matt Susin after the event.
“In a time when students are raised with social media, influencers, and video games, these young men and women made the decision to buck that trend and serve our great country.”
Community leaders, military officials, family members, and friends were invited to show their support for these brave men and women as they embark on their journey to serve our nation.
“The ceremony is a testament to the strong patriotic spirit within our community and an opportunity for all of us to express our gratitude for those who choose to protect our freedoms,” said a Brevard Public Schools spokesperson.
Among the attendeeswere Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey; Brigadier General John Dreska from the Pentagon; Brevard County Commissioners Thad Altman, Rob Feltner and Katie Delaney; State Representative Monique Miller; State Senator Debbie Mayfield; State Senator Tom Wright; Brevard Public School Board members Matt Susin, Megan Wright, Gene Trent and John Thomas; BPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell; and Rob Medina and Keith VanBuren from Congressman Mike Haridopolos’ office.
Col. Christopher Bulson, Deputy Commander at Patrick Space Force Base, administered the oath.
