Monday, September 23, 2024
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Tonight, the Education Foundation of Martin County announced its Teacher of the Year winners during a special celebration at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center. Vanessa Molina-Council of Citrus Grove Elementary School took top honors and was named the 2024-2025 Martin County Teacher of the Year. She will go on to represent Martin County in the state competition to become the Florida Department of Education's Teacher of the Year.
Devin Carlson, partner and general manager of Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart & Alfa Romeo Stuart, the event sponsor, presented Molina-Council with the award.
The Education Foundation also recognized Alicia Carter of Hidden Oaks, who won the middle school category, and Samantha Pankhurst of Jensen Beach High, the high school category winner. There were a total of 23 nominees competing for the top spots.
In addition, Felix A. Williams Elementary School won the Spirit Award, which was based on its theme, costumes, props and enthusiasm.
Molina-Council’s students inspire her to be a classroom teacher. She grew up in low-income housing with non-English speaking parents and a sibling who had a disability. They both attended inner city public schools in rough neighborhoods but her teachers made them feel valued and respected and provided their parents with guidance and resources. This experience inspired her to pursue the teaching profession.
“What inspires me today is to see the same joy of learning in my classroom and the motivation in my students to reach their fullest potential,” said Molina-Council. “My students make me feel like I am where I am meant to be, especially when I see those light bulbs go off!”
Her principal, Rose Rynca, said, “Vanessa exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator in every aspect of her teaching role. She consistently develops her instructional craft and is steadfast in her belief that all students will achieve. Her ability to inspire students' curiosity, while integrating innovative teaching methods, is truly commendable.”
Carter has worked as an intervention reading teacher as well as a creative writing and digital media teacher, and a physical education and volunteer running coach.
One of her fellow teachers, Natalie Walters, stated in her letter of recommendation, “I have worked with Alicia for two years at Hidden Oaks Middle School, and I can attest to the fact that she is a superhuman, dedicated teacher and colleague, and she is driven and conscientious. Look no further; because you will not find a more suitable candidate for Martin County Teacher of the Year than Alicia Carter!”
Pankhurst has taught almost every social studies course at Jensen Beach High School. Currently a teacher of advance placement human geography and United
States history, her principal, Lori Vogel, noted how Pankhurst encourages her students to think beyond books to solve problems and become leaders.
“The students in her classes benefit from her details to planning as they are prepared for the rigor of college or real-world careers,” said Vogel. “She is always willing to go the extra mile to help other teachers develop lessons that are engaging for their students, and to help our students to ensure they meet requirements necessary for graduation.”
In addition to Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart, & Alfa Romeo Stuart as the presenting sponsor, the additional top sponsors were Keiser University, Publix SuperMarkets Charities and Cook Shell Contractors.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
# # #
Devin Carlson, partner and general manager of Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart & Alfa Romeo Stuart, the event sponsor, presented Molina-Council with the award.
The Education Foundation also recognized Alicia Carter of Hidden Oaks, who won the middle school category, and Samantha Pankhurst of Jensen Beach High, the high school category winner. There were a total of 23 nominees competing for the top spots.
In addition, Felix A. Williams Elementary School won the Spirit Award, which was based on its theme, costumes, props and enthusiasm.
Molina-Council’s students inspire her to be a classroom teacher. She grew up in low-income housing with non-English speaking parents and a sibling who had a disability. They both attended inner city public schools in rough neighborhoods but her teachers made them feel valued and respected and provided their parents with guidance and resources. This experience inspired her to pursue the teaching profession.
“What inspires me today is to see the same joy of learning in my classroom and the motivation in my students to reach their fullest potential,” said Molina-Council. “My students make me feel like I am where I am meant to be, especially when I see those light bulbs go off!”
Her principal, Rose Rynca, said, “Vanessa exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding educator in every aspect of her teaching role. She consistently develops her instructional craft and is steadfast in her belief that all students will achieve. Her ability to inspire students' curiosity, while integrating innovative teaching methods, is truly commendable.”
Carter has worked as an intervention reading teacher as well as a creative writing and digital media teacher, and a physical education and volunteer running coach.
One of her fellow teachers, Natalie Walters, stated in her letter of recommendation, “I have worked with Alicia for two years at Hidden Oaks Middle School, and I can attest to the fact that she is a superhuman, dedicated teacher and colleague, and she is driven and conscientious. Look no further; because you will not find a more suitable candidate for Martin County Teacher of the Year than Alicia Carter!”
Pankhurst has taught almost every social studies course at Jensen Beach High School. Currently a teacher of advance placement human geography and United
States history, her principal, Lori Vogel, noted how Pankhurst encourages her students to think beyond books to solve problems and become leaders.
“The students in her classes benefit from her details to planning as they are prepared for the rigor of college or real-world careers,” said Vogel. “She is always willing to go the extra mile to help other teachers develop lessons that are engaging for their students, and to help our students to ensure they meet requirements necessary for graduation.”
In addition to Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart, & Alfa Romeo Stuart as the presenting sponsor, the additional top sponsors were Keiser University, Publix SuperMarkets Charities and Cook Shell Contractors.
The Education Foundation of Martin County is the Martin County School District’s strategic non-profit partner with the mission of enriching and enhancing educational opportunities and support for students and teachers in Martin County’s public schools. As an independent group, the Foundation promotes this effort by raising and distributing private and corporate funds through several established programs, including classroom enrichment grants, literacy programs, professional development for teachers, special initiatives, scholarships and programs to recognize outstanding teaching. For more information, please visit www.EducationFoundationMC.org.
# # #
