AND THE OVERALL WINNER IS ... Vanessa Molina-Council, 4th Grade Teacher at Citrus Grove Elementary School (pictured in the center). To her left is Gina Prochilo, controller at Murgado Automotive Group, Inc. and Joshua Muir, general manager at Infiniti Stuart. To her right is Devin Carlson, general manager & partner at Murgado Automotive Group Stuart and Superintendent Michael Maine
 
(LEFT PHOTO) Superintendent Michael Maine; Dr. Tracy Record, Keiser University Department chair for Legal Studies; High School winner Samantha Pankhurst, Social Studies teacher at Jensen Beach High School; and Lori Vogel, Jensen Beach High School Principal
(RIGHT PHOTO) Martin County Middle School Teacher of the Year sponsored by Publix Super Markets Charities - Superintendent Michael Maine; Dr. Jennifer DiTrapani, EFMC board member; Middle school winner Alicia Carter, Physical Education, Creative Writing & Digital Media teacher at Hidden Oaks Middle School; and Christopher Forte, Hidden Oaks Middle School principal
 
State Senator Gayle Harrell poses with Vanessa Molina-Council, 4th Grade Teacher at Citrus Grove Elementary School, Elementary and Overall winner. At right, Vanessa is all smiles as Devin Carlson, general manager & partner at Murgado Automotive Group Stuart, hands her the keys to her new car.
 Felix A. Williams Elementary won the School Spirit Award, sponsored by the Education Foundation of Martin County.
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The Education Foundation of Martin County extends its hearty congratulations to the winners of its Teacher of the Year program. 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.
"The Education Foundation is pleased to present this program each year to honor Martin County's teachers," said Lisa Rhodes, executive director of the Education Foundation of Martin County. "Teachers are the unsung heroes who positively influence the lives of their students."
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. Pankhurst has taught almost every social studies course at Jensen Beach High School and is currently a teacher of advance placement human geography and United States history.
In addition to presenting sponsor Audi Stuart, Infiniti Stuart, & Alfa Romeo Stuart, the additional top sponsors were Keiser University, Publix SuperMarkets Charities and Cook Shell Contractors.
To see coverage in Stuart Exposure, please click here. |
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The Education Foundation of Martin County Prize Parade was filled with holiday cheer as they strolled through the festive hallways, spreading holiday surprise and joy to the incredible Innovative Project Grant awardees!
Jensen Beach Elementary School
Jensen Beach High School
Martin County High School
The Hope Center for Autism
South Fork High School
Martin County School District
"We're so thankful for these talented educators who are going above and beyond for their students, making learning a little brighter this holiday season," said EFMC Executive Director Lisa Rhodes. |
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