Rockledge High Resource Officer Chris Hattaway Honored as Brevard Public Schools Employee of the Year

honored 97 outstanding support professionals from schools across Brevard Public Schools

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Schools Foundation announced Christopher Hattaway, School Resource Officer at Rockledge High School, as the Brevard Public Schools Employee of the Year during the Applauding Brevard’s Champions Employee of the Year Breakfast held at the Radisson Resort at the Port.

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Hattaway.

“Rockledge High School is my home, and serving its students and staff is the greatest privilege of my career. Everything I do is rooted in the belief that every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and valued. I am grateful to my family, my school community, and the colleagues who inspire me every day. Raider Pride!”

The event, presented by Community Credit Union Florida, honored 97 outstanding support professionals from schools and departments across Brevard Public Schools and celebrated six exceptional finalists for their service, professionalism, and dedication.

BPS officials said, as a School Resource Officer, Hattaway is known for building strong relationships, creating a safe and welcoming environment, and serving as a trusted advocate for students.

“His work reflects his belief that every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and secure,” said Janice Kershaw, President & CEO of Brevard Schools Foundation.

“Our support professionals are the champions behind the scenes who keep our schools running and our students thriving. They solve problems, lift others, and make countless quiet contributions every day. Their dedication makes all the difference, and we are grateful to celebrate them.”

“The employees we honor today strengthen the heart of Brevard Public Schools,” said Dr. Mark Rendell, Superintendent of Brevard Public Schools.

“Their commitment to supporting students, uplifting colleagues, and fostering safe, welcoming campuses is remarkable. They demonstrate that caring adults make all the difference in a child’s educational experience, and we are incredibly thankful for the positive influence they bring to our district.”

Employee of the Year Finalists

Chris Hattaway – School Resource Officer, Rockledge High School
Hattaway is recognized not only for maintaining campus safety but also for building trust, mentoring students, and strengthening community relationships.

Matt France – Technology Associate, Kennedy Middle School
Known as the person who keeps the school running smoothly, France supports teachers, students, and staff with everything from device management to instructional tech integration.

Cheri Meyer – Early Childhood Program Specialist, Curriculum & Instruction
Meyer’s work in early learning has shaped districtwide foundational programs, directly impacting school readiness and early academic success.

Susan Kunkel – Office Clerk, Westside Elementary School
Often the first friendly face families see, Kunkel is recognized for her professionalism, efficiency, and compassion in supporting students and staff.

Emilee Floyd – ESE Paraprofessional, Astronaut High School
Floyd is celebrated for her patience, skill, and dedication in supporting students with exceptionalities, helping them reach new levels of independence and achievement.

Jake Kraus – Theater Manager, Satellite High School
Kraus brings creativity and technical expertise to the school’s performing arts program, guiding students and elevating productions enjoyed by the entire community.

2024–2025 Brevard Public Schools – Employee of the Year Honorees

• Ashley Santiago — Andrew Jackson Middle School

• Michelle Patterson — Apollo Elementary School

• Emilee Floyd — Astronaut High School

• Taylor Mangum — Atlantis Elementary School

• Breanna “Anna” Tegarden — Audubon Elementary School

• Evadne “Pat” Jenkins — Bayside High School

• Takako Kase — Brevard Adult Education

• Liz Hazelgrove — Brevard Before & After School

• Deborah Yosheda — Cambridge Elementary Magnet School

• Molly Marder — Cape View Elementary School

• Susan Parker — Central Middle School

• Rosa Harris — Challenger 7 Elementary School

• Kevin Brown — Christa McAuliffe Elementary School

• Trudy D’Amico — Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High School

• Zahida Crider — Cocoa Jr./Sr. High School

• Bobbi McGrady — Columbia Elementary School

• Rachael Burke — Coquina Elementary School

• Maria Mesa Arenas — Croton Elementary School

• Cheri Meyer — Curriculum & Instruction

• Jennifer Woods — DeLaura Middle School

• Nicoya Grose — Discovery Elementary School

• Lisa Maldony — Dr. W.J. Creel Elementary School

• Anna Smith — Eau Gallie High School

• Bonnie Stephenson — Edgewood Jr./Sr. High School

• Deshon Larkin — Educational Technology

• Daniel Corbin — Endeavour Elementary Magnet School

• Cpl. Laurie Disalvo — Enterprise Elementary School

• Allison Grashik — Fairglen Elementary School

• Carol Palmer — Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies

• Naomi Rodriguez — Gardendale Separate Day School

• Michael “Mike” Maldonado — Gemini Elementary School

• Denise Blansfield — Golfview Elementary Magnet School

• Michele Stone — Government and Community Relations

• Lindsey Brong — Hans Christian Andersen Elementary School

• Kim Rhoades — Harbor City Elementary School

• Patricia “Trish” Pultz — Head Start

• Daniel Aponte — Herbert C. Hoover Middle School

• Raghav Saini — Heritage High School

• Jessica Ocuto — Human Resources

• Officer F. Cruz — Imperial Estates Elementary School

• Maria Gjonbalaj — Indialantic Elementary School

• Kelly DeVincenzo — James Madison Middle School

• Matthew “Matt” France — John F. Kennedy Middle School

• Danielle Meza Santoyo — John F. Turner, Sr. Elementary School

• Casey Wanca — Jupiter Elementary School

• Tammy Bourne — Lewis Carroll Elementary School

• Desiree “Desi” Gonzalez — Lockmar Elementary School

• Tanya Stutzman — Longleaf Elementary School

• Jacob Mills — Lyndon B. Johnson Middle School

• Tara Lott — Manatee Elementary School

• Beth Wiltberger — Meadowlane Intermediate Elementary School

• Christina Utter — Meadowlane Primary Elementary School

• Kristie Granholm — Melbourne High School

• Belinda Mitchner — Merritt Island High School

• Krista Lukens — MILA Elementary School

• Janet Hagar — Mims Elementary School

• Bryan Capaldo — Oak Park Elementary School

• Teresia “Michelle” Weakley — Ocean Breeze Elementary School

• Jenny Zein — Palm Bay Elementary School

• Robin Vajanyi — Palm Bay Magnet High School

• Alisha Hickman — Pinewood Elementary School

• Kelly Weber — Port Malabar Elementary School

• Linda Kelly — Quest Elementary School

• Melissa Leonard — Ralph M. Williams, Jr. Elementary School

• Penny Gray — Riviera Elementary School

• Caitlin Caldwell — Robert Louis Stevenson Elementary School of the Arts

• Christopher “Chris” Hattaway — Rockledge High School

• Rhonda Kendle — Ronald McNair Magnet Middle School

• Michelle Chang — Roy Allen Elementary School

• Genesis Butler — Sabal Elementary School

• Jake Kraus — Satellite High School

• Stephanie Budd — Saturn Elementary School

• Shirley Grady — Sculptor Charter School

• Cpl. Staci Moore — Sea Park Elementary School

• Shawte Zolicoffer — Sherwood Elementary School

• Bobbi Jo Wyant — South Lake Elementary School

• Guillermo Mercado — Southwest Middle School

• Joseph “Joe” VanVoorhis — Space Coast Jr./Sr. High School

• Maureen Joyce — Spessard L. Holland Elementary School

• Christopher “Chris” Muniz — Stone Magnet Middle School

• Elizabeth Grove — Student Services

• Crystal Gabriel — Sunrise Elementary School

• William Bautista Bacxi — Suntree Elementary School

• Patricia “Patti” Langan — Surfside Elementary School

• Debra Healy — Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School

• Rebecca Bastock — Thomas Jefferson Middle School

• Jeffrey “Jeff” Luce — Titusville High School

• Martin Andermanis — Transportation

• O’Neil Brooks — Tropical Elementary School

• Ernest Patton — University Park Elementary School

• April Lorvick — Viera Charter School

• Pamela “Pam” Guerrero — Viera Elementary School

• Hannah Moss — Viera High School

• Sara “Sarita” Mayer — Viera Middle School

• Elizabeth “Beth” Floyd — West Melbourne Elementary School for Science

• John Villano — West Shore Jr./Sr. High School

• Susan Kunkel — Westside Elementary School

Sponsors of the event included Community Credit Union Florida – Super Star Sponsor, W+J Construction – Gold Star Sponsor, and Wharton-Smith, Inc. – Breakfast Sponsor.

Brevard Schools Foundation fills educational funding and opportunity gaps at all 85 Brevard Public Schools for more than 74,300 students and 5,000 teachers by supporting innovation, engaging communities, and changing lives. Funds come from private contributions, corporate support, public matching funds, fundraising, and endowments.

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