(January 21, 2025) Tampa, FL – Get ready for liftoff! Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) and Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) are preparing to honor the brightest stars in education at the 2025 Excellence in Education Awards. This cosmic celebration, themed “Mission to the Stars,” shines a light on the educators and support staff who guide students and colleagues toward new horizons of achievement and success in Hillsborough County.

From a galaxy of 667 nominees, 13 exceptional finalists will be recognized for their stellar contributions. The event will culminate with the announcement of winners in three categories: Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.

What: 2025 Excellence in Education Awards
When: Thursday, January 23, 2025

• 4:30 p.m. – Welcome Reception
• 6:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
• When the show concludes: After Party

Where: Morsani Hall @ Straz Center for the Performing Arts | 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa, FL 33602

• Members of the media interested in covering the event should contact Colin Higgins @ 813 525 0522 or chiggins@educationfoundation.comin advance for entry to the Straz Center.
• Media check-in is at the HEF/HCPS Invited Guests table.
• An embargoed press release will be sent out on January 23, 2025, which will include the winners and school celebration details.

The Finalists

“This year’s finalists are not only stars in their own right but are also star-makers, inspiring students to reach their full potential,” said Anna Corman, President and CEO of Hillsborough Education Foundation. “Their dedication and innovation create opportunities for every child to succeed, and it’s an honor to celebrate their remarkable contributions.”

Teacher of the Year Finalists

• Henry Bryson – AICE History Teacher, Leto High School
• Roxanne Coriell – Kindergarten Teacher, Hunter’s Green Elementary School
• Brandie Palmer – Science Resource Teacher, Springhead Elementary School
• Montine Vona-Pergola – English Teacher, Newsome High School
• Adam Wilinsky – 5th Grade Math & Science Teacher, Pride Elementary School

Instructional Support Employee of the Year Finalists

• Susan Blackmon – ESE Para, Oak Park Elementary School
• Norma Borges-Garcia – Bilingual Spanish Aide, Mort Elementary School
• Holly Mulholland – ESE Unique Aide, Claywell Elementary School
• Bonnie Walters – Secretary 4, Tampa Palms Elementary School

Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Finalists

• Alexander Cintron Marrero – Physical Education Teacher, Sgt. Smith Middle School
• Sherriann Johnson – School Nurse, Gibsonton Elementary School
• Edna Martinez Navarro – Spanish Teacher, Gaither High School
• Antonyia McCray – Student Success Coach, Freedom High School

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