Our network

Photo Gallery | Manatee School District announces award finalists

Manatee School District announces award finalists
Submitted by Kristin Weber, Web Producer, 10News In Your Neighborhood
Tuesday, December 25th, 2012, 1:00pm
Carrie Rainwater, Nolan Science Teacher
Principal Nancy High says, “She is a model teacher and implements standards-based lessons that are engaging and enriching. Her colleagues, students and parents tremendously respect her. To develop her teaching skills, in the evenings, she participates in Professional Learning. Presently she is enrolled in the District’s Aspiring Leaders Program. She is the go-to-person for the latest and greatest strategies in the classroom. Her enthusiasm is contagious and teachers, staff, students and parents follow her lead and embrace science with a passion.”
Manatee County Schools
Deborah Miele, King Math & AVID Teacher
Principal Robin Hardy says, "Ms. Miele has been teaching Math at King for the past 12 years. In that time, she has taught multiple levels of both 6th and 7th-grade Math. In the past two years, Ms. Miele has embraced King Middle School’s efforts with implementing the AVID Program. She embraced the teaching and instructional concepts of the AVID system and made them her own in her classroom. Students are highly challenged daily. From using the entire floor of her classroom to make a human-sized number graph, to working with former students who serve her current students as tutors, to using crumpled paper wads as ‘snow balls’ to review with her students – Ms. Miele’s young adolescents are eager and happy learners. Ms. Miele took it upon herself to begin a school dance team. By the second year, the team was not only performing locally, but also competed at the state level, earning statewide recognition.”
Manatee County Schools
Diane Popovice, Mills Registrar
Assistant Principal Pat Fenton says, "Diane Popovice is an amazing employee who works way beyond a 40-hour work week. Our school has more than 1,000 students for which she enters data. She greets our new families with warmth and compassion. She communicates with staff, students and families in a positive, caring way. Diane works in our before and after care program and she spends time on the weekend looking for items to enhance that program.”
Manatee County Schools
Dr. Zadda Bazzy, Oneco Music Teacher
Portion of the nomination form reads: "Under her direction, Oneco Elementary students have been chosen for the All-State Chorus; and ensembles from Oneco Elementary have been asked to perform at district and state levels. She shares class progress with families and the school community by writing in the school newsletter each month. Parents and families are encouraged to participate in the learning experience by observing classes, participating in family music-making events and attending student performances."
Manatee County Schools
Jason Schiessl, Southeast Theater Teacher
Principal Shane Hall says, "Jason Schiessl extends himself on a daily basis at Southeast High School. He stays after hours to make sure that nothing goes by the wayside for the visual Performing Arts Academy, Student Government, Drama Club and the Southeast Seminole Soccer Team. His colleagues respect and admire him for his willingness to help while always having a positive attitude. He is more than willing to learn beyond his job description and truly cares about each student and teacher at Southeast. He helps facilitate Back-to-School Night, IB and Freshman Orientation and also attends monthly SAC meetings to better communicate with the parents and receive feedback.”
Manatee County Schools
Joni Wallace-Brightbill, Matzke Secretary II
Custodial Coordinator Gene Raines says, "Joni has been employed as the Secretary II for the Operations Department for six years. She performs all of the job responsibilities of the position, which includes responding to requests for assistance from District Departments and from vendors who provide services for our schools. She is the first person our employees see every morning as they walk through the doors and she always greets them with a smile. I consider Joni as being my ‘right arm’ when it comes to dealing with the increasing needs of the District. We could not operate as effectively as we do without her.”
Manatee County Schools
Sandy Heaton, Wakeland Sr. School Secretary
Principal Mario Mendoza says, "Sandy is not a regular secretary. She helps our children through her work. She anticipates our needs. She offers solutions. Sandy is the one that will go out of her way to purchase supplies and materials for our students. She ‘indirectly’ helps our children through her work at the District level. Sandy has volunteered countless hours in various committees. She was one of the founding members of the Manatee County Association of Educational Office Professionals (MCAEOP). She is sometimes referred to as ‘Grandma Sandy’. Grandma Sandy has Lunch Bunch with students on a regular basis. As she walks down the hallway, often kids will run up and hug her. She is no regular secretary.”
Manatee County Schools
Todd Persinger, Anna Maria Custodian
Principal David Marshall says “Todd Persinger is someone I want all students, parents and employees to come in contact with. His ability to create an environment that brings out the best in his co-workers is a gift. Todd’s relationship building skills help him navigate all levels of our district – this is an invaluable asset for our school. He is a shining example of an employee that loves his job and everyone around him is positively impacted through his work ethic and relationship skills.”
Manatee County Schools

Manatee County, Florida -- On Dec. 17, eight extremely talented and devoted Manatee County School District employees were given a surprise visit from Superintendent David Gayler and other district guests who officially announce they were finalists for the EdVantage Education Awards.

The EdVantage Education Awards celebrate excellence in education in Manatee County by selecting an "Educator of the Year" and a "Support Employee of the Year".

The finalists are listed below:

Educator of the Year

Carrie Rainwater, Science Teacher, Nolan Middle School

Deborah Miele, Math Teacher, King Middle School

Jason Schiessl, Theatre Arts Teacher, Southeast High School

Zadda Bazzy, Music Teacher, Oneco Elementary School

Support Employee of the Year

Diane Popovice, Registrar, Mills Elementary School

Joni Wallace-Brightbill, Secretary II, Matzke Support Center

Sandy Heaton, Senior School Secretary, Wakeland Elementary School

Todd Persinger, Head Custodian, Anna Maria Elementary School

The finalists will be honored and the winners will be announced at the EdVantage Education Awards on Wednesday, March 6, beginning at 7 p.m. at the new Manatee Technical Institute campus, located at 6305 S.R. 70 East.

The Educator of the Year will then move on to the Florida Department of Education Macy's Teacher of the Year competition. The Support Employee of the Year will advance to the Florida School Related Employee of the Year competition.

See More Galleries

See more photo galleries

Community Sponsors

Natural Touch Massage Therapy & Beauty
Relaxing & Good For You!
10% OFF HOUR TREATMENT
Horizon Insurance, Inc
You Can Trust Us To Do The Job For You!
Watch video
A Heaven Sent Bail Bond
"want to get out of jail? Call Heaven Sent and We'll Post Your Bail!"
Watch video
Tuffy Auto Service Center
Offering Complete Automotive Repair
Oil Change Special
Watch video
Airmovers High Speed Drying & Cleaning
Family Owned, Locally Operated, Nationally Certified.
Watch video
Sarasota School of Massage Therapy
Our Focus Is On You
Richards Plumbing Repair
Personalized Service
$10 Off Any Service Call
Watch video
All Community Sponsors