Amid cheers and support from a virtual crowd of school colleagues, family and community leaders from Tampa Bay and beyond, three Hillsborough County Public Schools staff now hold a new title: winner of the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year.
- 2021 Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year
Chardae Duffy, Woodson PK-8 Leadership Academy Media Specialist
- 2021 Instructional Support Employee of the Year
Michael K. Helton, Dawson Elementary School Student Nutrition Services Manager
- 2021 Teacher of the Year
Laura Meehan, Caminiti Exceptional Center Adapted Music Specialist
Hillsborough Education Foundation in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools announced the three winners at the annual Excellence in Education Awards on January 21st. While this year’s event looked a little different with spectators watching virtually as the winners were named live from Blake High School, organizers say it doesn’t change the importance of this special recognition. The winners received this top honor out of 678 nominees chosen by their peers from schools across the district.
Every day, more than 24,000 teachers and staff in Hillsborough County Public Schools make a difference in students’ lives. “This past year has been unlike any other, and our teachers and school staff have triumphantly risen to the many challenges they have faced navigating the pandemic and eLearning. As we reflect on the impact so many have made during this crisis, it makes the 2021 awards ceremony extra special,” said Hillsborough Education Foundation CEO Kim Jowell.
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WINNERS’ BIOGRAPHIES
Chardae Duffy, Woodson PK-8 Leadership Academy Media Specialist
Chardae Duffy was born and raised in Miami and graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High. She is a University of South Florida alumni with a master’s in Elementary Education, focused on teacher leadership and multicultural literature. During her 10 years with the district, Chardae has taught first and second grade and is currently a Media Specialist. Her top priority at school is building lasting relationships with her students. As the founder of Culturally ByUS, LLC and Boys, Books & Barbers, Chardae has placed culturally relevant literature geared toward black and brown boys into 15+ barber shops. Her sons, RJ (12) and Carmelo (3), motivate her to excel. Chardae enjoys yoga, fun with friends, giving back to the community and spending quality time with her sons.
Michael K. Helton, Dawson Elementary School Student Nutrition Services Manager
Michael Helton (Mr. Mike) has been a Food Service Manager since the early 90’s, prior to joining Hillsborough County Public Schools Student Nutrition Services as a Manager in 2012. Since becoming part of the SNS team, Mike has had the opportunity to work at a diverse group of schools, which has taught him to appreciate the importance of connecting with students and providing food to fuel their learning. In his SNS program, Mike has been recognized for building participation and reducing food cost. He is currently working to complete his Certified Culinarian Program with the American Culinary Federation. Mike’s family includes his wife, Jennifer, two sons – Michael Jr. and Joseph and daughter, Kady. He enjoys a short commute—working at a school in his neighborhood.
Laura Meehan, Caminiti Exceptional Center Adapted Music Specialist
Laura Meehan has been teaching in the district at Caminiti for 5 years. She attended Texas Tech University for her undergraduate degree in Music Education, Florida State University for a master’s in Music Therapy and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida. Laura serves on various board committees: Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Division of Visual and Performing Arts, CEC Tampa Bay, Hillsborough County Elementary Music Council, as well as leadership roles at her school: SAC Chair, Team Lead, PTA Vice President, Equity Liaison and more. Laura recently got engaged and her fiancé has two children (11 & 13). Laura enjoys participating in triathlons and as an Ironman athlete has been fortunate to race all over the world.
Thank you to all of our incredible 2021 Excellence in Education Awards sponsors who made the special night memorable for our honorees and everybody who joined us in celebrating them!
