Education’s Shining Stars Announced

Broadcast on Saturday, February 7th, St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) and the Education Foundation of St. Lucie County announced this year’s line-up of educational superstars. Jasmine Shepherd from Port St. Lucie High School took top honors as St. Lucie Public School’s Teacher of the Year. Joining her in the winner’s category were School-Related Employee of the Year, Larryton McNealy from St. Lucie Elementary; Distinguished Minority Educator of the Year, Devan Hagans from Port St. Lucie High School; and Outstanding First Year Teacher Brianne Yates from Allapattah Flatts K-8, along with School Resource Officer of the Year Jorge Goz from Chester A. Moore K-8 Academy of Success. Previously announced winners include Principal of the Year Latricia Stubbs-James from Dan McCarty Middle School and Assistant Principal of the Year Lauren Gieseler from White City Elementary School.

Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince said, “All of the nominees exemplify excellence in teaching and superior support in providing a positive teaching and learning environment in St. Lucie Public Schools. They represent what is best about SLPS and why we continue to see consistent gains across the board in student achievement and success.”

Education Foundation President, Thom Jones, considers Night of the Stars a highlight each year. “Honoring our teachers and support staff for the work they do each day for our students is central to the Education Foundation’s mission, which is to recognize excellence in education and support teacher development.”

Event Coordinator, Dr. Kevin G. Perry said, “The distinguished honorees at this annual event not only embody the mission of the District but go beyond and surpass expectations.”

St. Lucie Public Schools Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year will now move on to the state-level competition. In the category of Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year, the State has a long-standing tradition that recognizes and honors the contributions of outstanding classroom teachers and support staff who have demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.