TALLAHASSEE, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ – This Wednesday, during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott recognized eight outstanding educators with the Governor’s Shine Award. The Shine Award is presented to teachers and administrators in Florida who make significant contributions to the field of education.
Governor Scott said, “Florida educators go above and beyond to help students get a quality education, and I’m proud to recognize these outstanding educators today. In Florida, we support our teachers so they have every resource they need to help students succeed.”
The following educators were presented with the Governor’s Shine Award:
Jane Araguez, Brevard County – Jane Araguez has been teaching for 13 years and teaches kindergarten at Saturn Elementary School in Cocoa Beach. Jane is a national board certified teacher and the 2017 Brevard County District Teacher of the Year.
Larissa Bennett, Manatee County – Larissa Bennett has spent the last 16 years in the education field, with the last 11 as a school counselor. She currently serves as a school counselor at Virgil Mills Elementary School in Bradenton. Larissa is an American School Counselor Association Bullying Prevention Specialist and the 2017 Florida School Counselor of the Year.
Andrea Brown, Okaloosa County – An accomplished educator with 19 years’ experience, Andrea Brown teaches remedial reading and math at the Baker School. She is a national board certified teacher and the 2017 Okaloosa County District Teacher of the Year.
Christopher Combass, Hamilton County – With 21 years’ experience, Chris Combass has spent his entire education career at his alma mater, Hamilton County High School, where he teaches Social Studies. Chris is a member of the Commissioner’s School Improvement Leadership Academy, the Florida Teacher Lead Network, and is the 2017 Hamilton County District Teacher of the Year.
Deeanna Golden, Jackson County – Deeanna Golden is a skilled educator with 28 years’ experience. She teaches kindergarten at F.M. Golson Elementary School in Marianna. Deeanna is the 2016 Jackson County District Teacher of the Year and a state finalist in both 2014 and 2016 for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.
Robin Heeke, Columbia County – Robin Heeke has 20 years’ teaching experience, with the last 17 at Fort White High School where she teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Government and Politics, AP U.S. History and AP World History. Robin is the 2017 Columbia County District Teacher of the Year.
Maria Laing, A.D. Henderson University School, Palm Beach County – Maria has 20 years’ teaching experience, and teaches reading and math to special needs students in grades K-5 at A.D. Henderson University School. She is a member of the Florida Teacher Lead Network and is the 2017 A.D. Henderson University School Teacher of the Year.
Brittney McGee, Union County – Brittney McGee has been teaching for 11 years, and teaches agriculture at Lake Butler Middle School. She is a member of the Florida Teacher Lead Network and the 2017 Union County District Teacher of the Year.
