Tampa, Fla. – (November 29, 2024) — The excitement is building as the Surprise Patrol prepares to visit public schools across Hillsborough County on Monday, December 2, 2024, to announce the finalists for the 2025 Excellence in Education Awards. This annual tradition shines a spotlight on the educators and support staff selected as finalists for Teacher of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year, and Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year awards.
These finalists represent the best of the best in the seventh-largest school district in the nation, rising to the top from a pool of over 650 nominees across all categories. Their achievements often garner state and national recognition. The current Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year, Dr. Clayton Nylund of Blake High School, was named a finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year this past July—a testament to the caliber of those honored through this program.
The Surprise Patrol, made up of representatives from Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF), Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), and various sponsors, will personally deliver surprise announcements to each of the finalists on Monday.
For the media, a Dropbox link with photos and videos from the school visits will be updated throughout the day. Feel free to use any of the images or videos for your publications and broadcasts. There will also be a full video package produced for you to use. [Dropbox Link]
Teacher of the Year Finalists
- Adam Wilinsky
- 5th Grade Math & Science Teacher
- Pride Elementary School
- Years teaching: 22
- Roxanne Coriell
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Hunter’s Green Elementary School
- Years teaching: 20
- Brandie Palmer
- Science Resource
- Springhead Elementary School
- Years teaching: 17
- Montine Vona Pergola
- English Teacher
- Newsome High School
- Years teaching: 20
- Henry Bryson
- AICE History Teacher
- Leto High School
- Years teaching: 13
Instructional Support Employee of the Year Finalists
- Bonnie Walters
- Secretary 4
- Tampa Palms Elementary School
- Years with HCPS:27
- Norma Borges-Garcia
- Bilingual Spanish Aide
- Mort Elementary School
- Years with HCPS: 13
- Holly Mulholland
- ESE Unique Aide
- Claywell Elementary School
- Years with HCPS: 5
- Susan Blackmon
- ESE Para
- Oak Park Elementary School
- Years with HCPS:36
Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Finalists
- Sherriann Johnson
- School Nurse
- Gibsonton Elementary School
- Years at site: 7
- Antonyia McCray
- Success Coach
- Freedom High School
- Years at site: 8
- Edna S. Martinez Navarro
- Spanish Teacher
- Gaither High School
- Years at site:6
- Alexander Cintron Marrero
- Physical Education
- Sgt. Smith Middle School
- Years at site:6
About Excellence in Education
The Surprise Patrol serves as the exciting kickoff to the annual Excellence in Education Awards, Hillsborough County Public Schools’ most prestigious celebration of exceptional talent. Hosted by HEF in partnership with HCPS, the awards ceremony will take place on January 23, 2025, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s theme, “Mission to the Stars,” celebrates the stellar individuals who help guide students and colleagues to reach their greatest potential—much like charting a course through the cosmos to discover new frontiers.
“For HEF and our partners at Hillsborough County Public Schools, Excellence in Education is the culmination of months and months of hard work,” said Anna Corman, President and CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “But the hard work is worth it. We strongly believe that recognizing and celebrating our top educators should be as commonplace as celebrating the achievements of actors, musicians, or sports teams.”
What: 2025 Excellence in Education
Where: The Straz Center for the Performing Arts
When: January 23rd, 2025
Schedule:
- 4:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception
- 6:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
- 7:15 p.m. – After Party
Excellence in Education Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate these extraordinary educators! Tickets for the Excellence in Education Awards are now available at EducationFoundation.com/eie2025. In spirit with this year’s theme, attendees are encouraged to add a “cosmic touch” to their cocktail attire
Sponsorship opportunities are also still available! Anyone interested in supporting this event should contact Richard Mallow, HEF’s Chief Development Officer, at rmallow@educationfoundation.com.
About Hillsborough Education Foundation
Every child deserves access to the best possible education — and the teachers, tools, and trusted mentors they need to succeed. But today, this fundamental right remains out of reach for too many young people in our community. Hillsborough Education Foundation works to ensure every student in Hillsborough County receives an outstanding public education that equips them for a fulfilling future. By unlocking opportunities for students, investing in teachers, and strengthening public schools, we’ll make Hillsborough County Public Schools one of the best places to learn and teach, where 100% of students graduate with the ability to pursue anything they can dream. Learn more and join us at EducationFoundation.com.
