Excellence in Education awards presented
It was a night of kudos and recognition in the realm of education Monday night at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater in Fort Myers, as more than 60 teachers and students were highlighted for their exemplary accomplishments in and out of the classroom.
The 31st annual Excellence in Education Awards, held by the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and sponsored by the Breeze Newspapers, highlighted the importance of committed educators, and assisted the scholastic ventures of high school seniors as they embark on their next journey.
Students and teachers from the elementary, middle, high school and college level were honored, representing the West Zone of the School District of Lee County, which includes Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.
Ray Eckenrode, publisher of the Breeze Newspapers, kicked things off by thanking everyone for coming out to such a wonderful night of paying homage to the community’s brightest young minds and skilled educators.
“As we emerge from the tumult and trauma of the past few years into a world that needs fresh vision and new leaders more than ever, we want to recognize all the teachers, administrators and education professionals who play such a vital role in the process of helping you people grow into those roles,” Eckenrode said.
This year’s keynote speaker was Career Specialist and H.I.R.E. Program Coordinator at Fort Myers Technical College, and 2016 Golden Apple recipient while at Cypress Lake High School, Christian Zimmerman.
Zimmerman talked of the true meaning of what teachers “make” — not in terms of a paycheck or salary.
“Our rewards come intrinsically, not extrinsically,” he said. “They’re not seen on a paystub, or even in a benefits package. We get paid in epiphanies. We like to call these ‘lightbulb moments.’ When you’re sitting in that classroom and go, ‘oh wow,’ or ‘ah-ha.’ That’s how we get paid. True compensation never comes in the form of paper, it comes in what you feel within your heart, and within your soul when you lay your head upon you pillow every night.”
Zimmerman asked those in attendance the next time they visit a doctor, to ask themselves, “Who taught that doctor to think analytically? Who taught the lawyer to write? It was a teacher.
“And in this room, we have the fruits of those labors. The students are fruits of that same tree. You see what we do does not end with us. It lends long after we have left this earth. Because education, and teaching, immortal. There’s no secret to it, you just do what you love. And you empower other to do the same.”
Zimmerman said the event itself is a testament to the power of education, and that the impact of a caring teacher has a ripple effect throughout generations.
“You’re here because at some point in your life, a teacher made a difference,” Zimmerman said to the educators. “Students, you’re here because a teacher, several teachers, countless teachers, made a difference in your life.
“It’s about drawing those real-world connections for your students, and getting them to see the promise that they have within themselves.”
Each student and educator recognized received a plaque to commemorate their outstanding efforts, with high school and college students each receiving $1,000 in scholarship money to go along with their hardware.
Ida Baker High School’s Ella Peterson was among those recognized for her achievements. Peterson has a long list of accomplishments, including being part of the National Honor Society, Student Government, Health Occupations Students of America, tennis captain, and more.
“It feels great,” Peterson said of being honored. “It makes me feel special. Ever since freshman year, we’ve dealt with obstacles, especially being the class of 2023, so at this moment, I feel great working as hard as I did. I put my true self out there for sure.”
Peterson has plans to do a summer semester at the University of Central Florida majoring in biology, including pre-health professional dental school. She graduated from Ida Baker with her CNA.
Her advice to underclassman on their academic journey?
“To always persevere,” Peterson said. “Even if you think that it’s your last chance to win at something — no it’s not. You’re going to keep on getting back up on your horse and keep on going.”
Ida Baker’s educator being recognized was Video Technology and Production teacher, Geralyn Wilkinson. Wilkinson has a total of 18 years in the Lee County School system, and has been at Ida Baker for 15.
“It’s been an honor,” Wilkinsons said of the evening. “I love working for the kids, and with the kids. I really enjoy what I do. The students make every day special.”
She is known for being an educator who blends learning with integrating technology, and prides herself in supplying her students, grades 9 through 12, with the latest professional-grade software used across the globe.
“They get to know and work with each other from different grade levels and form relationships,” Wilkinson said. “Our programs are very advanced, and can even get certified.”
Eric Feichthaler was chosen to represent Oasis High School, and has plans to attend Georgetown University next year where he will study environmental sciences.
“It’s amazing to be here,” Feichthaler said. “The last four years, I’ve been focusing on a lot of extra-curriculars, being passionate about so many things, putting 100% into everything at school. It means a lot.”
Feichthaler said Oasis has been a great environment, as he is a member of the Key Club, National Honor Society, and National English Honor Society. He is a Congressional Award Gold Medalist, National Merit Scholarship finalist, and one of 10 Key Club Distinguished Vice Presidents out of all Florida clubs.
He said his goals to pursue environmental issues stems from visiting National Parks.
“My trip to Yellowstone in 2015 is what really sold me on nature and protecting it,” Feichthaler said.
His advice to fellow students is: “To put 100% into everything you do. It always pays off in the end.”
North Nicholas High School in Cape Coral Language Arts teacher Elmira Sablosky was recognized for her efforts in the classroom.
Sablosky, a first-year educator, collaborates with staff to share useful and proven strategies that support her students, and feel that all students should be supported and given goals that will help them be successful.
“I love helping the kids,” she said. “To see their success, that’s my success. Don’t ever give up on the kids. Every student needs as much attention as we can give to them. When they’re successful, happy, and learn something, it’s just the best feeling in the world.”
Aaysha Sidikka Mohamed Aki Jawaha was chosen as North Nicholas’ student honoree, and has a perfect attendance award to go along with a Positive Performer technology award.
“It feels so good to be here,” she said. “My teachers have helped so much with my education, and I want to thank them.”
Jawaha said she loves attending North Nicholas, where she is also part of the environmental club. She said finding the right fit and passionate teachers makes all the difference.
“Find that school, with good students, teachers, studies, and make friends,” Jawaha said.
Island Coast High School senior Paige Klotzbach was chosen to represent her school, and will enroll in Florida Gulf Coast University’s Nursing Program next year.
“I feel so extremely honored. I can’t put it into words,” Klotzbach said of being recognized. “I feel like I worked very, very hard. I came from a very small town… but I worked really hard to keep As and Bs throughout my high school career.”
She said she’s always had the calling to help others, which is why she chose to pursue nursing.
“I’ve just always had a want to help people and make a difference in people’s lives,” Klotzbach said. “Just seeing that I’m actually helping them, it makes my entire day.”
A special scholarship was presented to a Junior Leadership student in the name of Cindy Gallagher, a program founder who passed away from cancer in 2018. This year’s recipient was Ida Baker High School’s Mattison Caron.
North Fort Myers High School’s Jessica Newman was also awarded a $2,000 scholarship on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee.
The full list of honorees include (student followed by teacher):
• Caloosa Elementary School: Alice Zou and Anne Bravard
• Cape Elementary School: Ella Garcia and Kristy Jones
• Diplomat Elementary School: Daniel Perez and Wynell Jones
• Gulf Elementary School: Makenna Peace and Leslie Mikell
• Hancock Creek Elementary School: Zella Smith and Danielle Hopkins
• Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary School: Jhimon Pierre and Stephanie Alzate
• Oasis Charter Elementary North: Juliette Ramos Perez and Amy Cardwell
• Oasis Charter Elementary South: Luca Giallombardo and Esmeralda Arroyo
• Patriot Elementary School: Parker Messick and Heather Howdyshell
• Pelican Elementary School: Jada Powell and Kelly Young
• Pine Island Elementary School: Elvin Ajin and Melinda Manguson
• Skyline Elementary School: Jakelyn Macias and Michelle Law
• Trafalgar Elementary School: Brady Allison and Marlo Bromfield-Smalls
• Caloosa Middle School: Noah Marrero and John Crayton
• Challenger Middle School: Aubrey Duncan and Dyan Spero
• Christian Life Academy: Matthew Guzman and Julie Zearfaus
• Diplomat Middle School: Ben Uphoff and Mark Dahlberg
• Gulf Middle School: Jayden Torres and Laurie Kane
• Mariner Middle School: Carlie Crane and Kelly Murray-Takacs
• Mid Cape Global Academy: Anamarie Poueriet and Mindy Swat
• North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts: Miles Holmes and Margaret Bregenzer
• Oasis Middle School: Jaylea Frye and Amy Pawloski
• Saint Andrew Catholic School: Sarah Gosma and James Less
• Trafalgar Middle School: Cullen Zsebe and Natasha Pratt
• Cape Coral High School: Annette Noe and Jessica Recupito
• Ida Baker High School: Ella Peterson and Geralyn Wilkinson
• Island Coast High School: Paige Klotzbach and Rodina Carmona
• Mariner High School: Berk Aydogmus and Rory Shallis
• North Nicholas High School: Aaysha Sidikka Mohamed Ali Jawaha and Elmira Sablosky
• North Fort Myers High School: Melcha Walker and Vivian Gomez
• Oasis High School: Erich Feichthaler and Tomika Breese
• Cape Coral Technical College: Brandon Casterline and Christy Bessette
• Ida S. Baker High School: Mattison Caron, $1,000 Scholarship recipient
• North Fort Myers High School: Jessica Newman, $2,000 Scholarship recipient