Meet the Excellence in Education honorees
Students and teachers from the elementary, middle, high school and college level were honored Monday night at the Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce Education Committee’s annual Excellence in Education Awards program.
This year’s honorees are:
• Caloosa Elementary School honored Carter Emerson, a student who enjoys science, reading, and basketball, and is inspired by positive role models like his brother. Educator Andrea Bertel, a 12-year teaching veteran, finds joy in helping students overcome challenges and enjoys gardening and journaling.
• Cape Elementary School recognized Brynn Parker, an award-winning student involved in dance and school clubs who hopes to start a business and help animals. Educator Courtney Bryant, now a science coach, is passionate about hands-on learning and student engagement after a decade of classroom teaching.
• Diplomat Elementary School celebrated Jack Dertstila, a student athlete inspired by Lionel Messi, and teacher Deborah Ziruolo, a resource educator who leads academic interventions and family events.
• Gulf Elementary School honored Andrew Culbertson, an enthusiastic Special Olympics participant who loves learning and helping others, and Jennifer Jendrusiak, a seasoned reading teacher who supports both students and staff through data-driven instruction.
• Hancock Creek Elementary recognized Stanislav Prokipchyk, a charitable student with big dreams, and April McGlynn-Johnston, a veteran teacher known for inclusive instruction and efficient schoolwide planning.
• Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. Elementary featured Melanie Leiva Bello, a multi-talented student who wants to be a teacher, and Hannah Mack, a caring first-grade teacher known for her high expectations and nurturing style.
• Oasis Charter Elementary North honored Alyson Schuman, a student involved in leadership and STEM who hopes to teach, and Desiree Salmiery, a math interventionist with 18 years of experience known for her innovative and empathetic approach.
• Oasis Charter Elementary South celebrated Micayla Fertil, an aspiring fashion designer inspired by Serena Williams, and Lynette Stockwell, a dynamic kindergarten leader who promotes STEM learning and reading with passion.
• Patriot Elementary School featured Lilianne Arquez, a future veterinarian inspired by her mother, and Tara Burns, a fourth grade and ESE teacher who supports inclusive education and leads student-centered programs.
• Pelican Elementary School honored Ava Kleinguenther, a top-level gymnast and school leader who wants to be a marine biologist, and Jessica Holmes, a dedicated math and science teacher committed to fostering student growth and teamwork.
• Pine Island Elementary School recognized Lucero Flores Perez, a volleyball enthusiast inspired by her mom, and Jamie Barnhill, a resilient third-grade teacher who supported her students through Hurricane Ian.
• Diplomat Elementary School also celebrated Zaiden Taveras, a club-involved student who wants to be an artist, and Amanda Skocik, a skilled reading coach supporting diverse learners and instructional strategies.
• Trafalgar Elementary School featured Trinity Snearley, a student inspired by her mom with dreams of acting, and Amanda Sweeney, an energetic art teacher who encourages creativity and leads educational adventures.
• Skyline Elementary School honored Milah Rische, an active student aspiring to be a cosmetologist, and Colleen Bernhardt, a literacy-focused educator who supports student learning and ESOL programs.
• Caloosa Middle School honored Emma Bala, a high-achieving student involved in Science Olympiad and NJHS who aspires to be a military cardiologist. Educator Ann Tikka, a peer counseling teacher, has contributed district-wide through curriculum development and student leadership initiatives.
• Challenger Middle School recognized Aidan Devitt, a student council member and scholar-athlete aiming to become an anesthesiologist, and Liza Soto, a special education teacher who empowers students through resilience, confidence, and inclusion.
• Christian Life Academy celebrated Ella Quaintance, a straight-A student and volleyball player inspired by her friend Hailey, and Lorraine Vega, a veteran educator and current Dean with decades of leadership in special education and child development.
• Diplomat Middle School featured Liana Duque, a student leader inspired by her hardworking immigrant parents and aiming for a career in medicine, and Nathalia Rosado-Oliveras, a civics teacher and Latinos in Action leader who promotes civic engagement and cultural pride.
• Gulf Middle School honored Xavier Walton, an athletic and academic leader with dreams of professional basketball, and Amy Hartmann-Scott, a trusted school counselor known for her mentorship, problem-solving, and commitment to student success.
• Mariner Middle School celebrated Caleb Lukow, a talented musician who hopes to teach music, and Benjamin Johnson, a science department leader and tutoring program founder known for driving academic and equity-focused initiatives.
• Mid Cape Global Academy recognized Sarah Barahona, a student with a passion for writing and baking who wants to become a surgeon, and Juliet Rodriguez Ramirez, an ELA teacher and team leader who builds strong student relationships and drives academic engagement.
• North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts featured Ava Burns, a viola-playing environmental advocate inspired by strong women, and Joanne Conde, a 40-year educator who leads projects, mentors teachers, and nurtures young learners with dedication.
• Oasis Middle School honored Allison Tarabokija, a drama-involved student aspiring to be a music or drama teacher, and Bridget Bruton, a longtime Lee County teacher known for cultivating caring, goal-oriented student relationships.
• St. Andrew Catholic School celebrated Brayden Kish, an academic athlete and NJHS president with broad career aspirations, and Carolyn Canzano, a veteran kindergarten teacher known for instilling both academic skills and faith-based values.
• Trafalgar Middle School recognized Faith LeConey, a travel-loving student aiming to become a cardiovascular sonographer, and Lori Mazon, an advanced math teacher and Golden Apple Finalist who fosters critical thinking and collaboration.
• Cape Coral High School featured Sophia Vianest, a multi-sport student with academic accolades pursuing physical therapy, and Barbara Wissman, a math teacher and program leader known for achieving exceptional student success and preparing for school leadership.
• Ida S. Baker High School honored Alexis Klutsarits, a scholar-athlete bound for UF to become a pediatrician, and Kim d’Albenas, a counseling leader who guided students through Hurricane Ian recovery and spearheads mental health support.
• Island Coast High School recognized Faith Hershman, a standout in JROTC and athletics aiming for law school, and Analia Hernandez, an ESOL/ELD teacher who uses her economics background to support multilingual learners with structured, student-centered instruction.
• Mariner High School celebrated Andy Seeley, a JROTC commander and scholar headed to Norwich University for engineering and military service, and Joshua Gompper, a history teacher and mentor who connects with students academically and personally.
Oasis High School honored Skylar Muncy, an academically driven student leader planning to study law or journalism at UF, and McKenna Korchick, a digital design teacher and cheer coach who leads school media and empowers creative growth.
• North Fort Myers High School featured Khalid Bourne, a scholar-athlete aiming for a medical career in biomedical engineering, and Tiffany Graves-Bucher, a dynamic teacher and club sponsor passionate about global awareness and lifelong learning.
• Cape Coral Technical College recognized Sarah Kuznets, a nursing student who relocated from New Jersey to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse anesthetist, and Nicki Torres, a Practical Nursing instructor whose leadership has helped rank the program #1 in Florida.