Manatee County Educator and Support Employee of the Year Announced

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Pictured: First Row: (L-to-R) Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, Brianna Hall (Support Employee of the Year), Kelly Smith-Williams (Educator of the Year), Deputy Superintendent Doug Wagner; Second Row: Representatives from Suncoast Credit Union; Third Row:

The School District of Manatee County is proud to announce the winners of the 2023 Excellence in Education Awards. A tremendous event was held at Parrish Community High School on Thursday evening to celebrate public education. MANATEE COUNTY’S EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: Kelly Smith-Williams, Anatomy & Physiology Honors Teacher, Lakewood Ranch High School, 7 years with School District of Manatee County. Kelly consistently strives to meet the needs of students inside and outside the classroom. She enhances student learning by introducing them to innovative tools, such as Anatomage, the world's first virtual dissection table. If Kelly isn't helping them prepare for careers in the medical field, she's finding ways to expand their life skills. As an advisor for academic, professional and spiritual organizations, she shows students how to achieve their goals. During the summer, she serves as a teacher to help teens stay on track in order to graduate. SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Brianna Hall, Assistant School Clerical – Lincoln Memorial Middle School, 3 years with School District of Manatee County. Brianna goes the distance to assure students are thriving in the classroom and beyond. She commutes nearly 100 miles each weekday to perform clerical duties, but goes the extra mile to ensure student success. She created her school’s PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) and serves as president. She aims to fill a void when needed, and administrators say her versatility is immeasurable. Brianna also tutors students and offers them help with homework, which began when she was hired in March 2020 amid the school shutdown.

Both winners receive a $5,000 cash prize, provided by Suncoast Credit Union; an all-expenses paid gathering for 24 friends and family in the Mayor’s Suite at LECOM Park in Bradenton during a Marauders game. Four tickets to a 2023 spring training game, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Bradenton Marauders; a one-night stay at the Courtyard by Marriott/Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton; customized spa service from Sirius Day Spa; and more. Kelly Smith-Williams will now advance to the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Program, while Brianna Hall will advance to the Florida School-Related Employee of the Year Program. The remaining six finalists, who were also deserving of the “Educator of the Year” and “Support Employee of the Year” recognition, receive $1,000 cash award from the Manatee Education Foundation, among other prizes. The Excellence in Education Awards wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our community partners including the Manatee Education Foundation, and a long list of event sponsors. Please visit www.ManateeSchools.net/EEA for details.

 

Pictured: First Row: (L-to-R) Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, Brianna Hall (Support Employee of the Year), Kelly Smith-Williams (Educator of the Year), Deputy Superintendent Doug Wagner; Second Row: Representatives from Suncoast Credit Union; Third Row:

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