2026 Volunteer & Business Partnership Awards - Palm Beach County School District

2026 Volunteer & Business Partnership Awards More than 300 people attended the 2026 Volunteer and Business Partnership Awards Breakfast at the Kravis Center in April. WPBF anchor Erin Guy served as the emcee and announced the winners of the District’s Volunteers of the Year and Business Partnerships of the Year. Following remarks by Superintendent Michael J. Burke, guests were treated to an entertaining performance by the Dr. Joaquín García High School Jazz Combo under the direction of John Rodriguez, Director of Bands. Presenting Sponsor Program Photos Volunteer Coordinator of the Year Business Partnership Coordinator of the Year Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year Winners Outstanding School Volunteer - Youth Nominees Outstanding School Volunteer - Adult Nominees Outstanding School Volunteer - Senior Nominees Business Partner Winners Florida Department of Education Commissioner's Business Recognition Awards Honorees Business Partner Pacesetter Award Sponsors Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance: Sean Cooley, Chief of Strategi Engagement Master of Ceremonies: Erin Guy, Anchor, WPBF 25 News Superintendent Remarks: Michael J. Burke, School Distri ct of Palm Beach County Live Music Performance: Dr. Joaquín García High School Jazz Combo Led by John Rodriguez, Director of Bands Awards: Outstanding School Volunteers School Volunteer Coordinator of the Year Business Partnership Awards Florida Education Commissioner's Business Recognition Awards Pacesetter Award Business Partnership Coordinator of the Year Remarks on Behalf of School Board: Karen Brill - District 3 Palm Beach County School Board Chair Closing Remarks: Erin Guy, Anchor, WPBF 25 News Photo Gallery Dorothy Sankey from Boynton Beach Community High School 2025-2026 Volunteer Coordinator of the Year Boynton Beach Community High School Principal, Doctor Moody Fuller says Ms. Sankey is widely recognized for her exceptional customer service. She has dedicated 31 years of service to the District. Parents, community members, and visitors frequently commend her professionalism, compassion, and willingness to assist others. She consistently ensures that everyone who contacts or visits the school feels welcomed, respected, and supported. Ms. Sankey exemplifies the highest standards of customer service through her positive attitude and unwavering professionalism, representing the school with integrity and leaving a lasting positive impression on those she serves. She also plays an essential role in ensuring visitors follow the required volunteer protocol. With patience and a warm approach, she guides guests through the registration process, encouraging compliance while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. By the end of the process, visitors often leave smiling, and many return asking specifically for Dorothy so they can proudly let her know they have properly checked in all by themselves. Her ability to balance kindness with accountability helps strengthen a culture of safety, respect, and professionalism across the campus. Courtney Roper from Crosspointe Elementary School 2025-2026 Business Partnership Coordinator of the Year Courtney Roper is a wonderful example of what it means to lead with heart. She has made an extraordinary impact on her school community through dedication, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to connecting families with the resources they need to thrive. Since joining Crosspointe Elementary in 2016, she has become a trusted leader, known for building bridges between staff, students, and families to ensure every child has the support to succeed. Her excellence in education has earned her multiple recognitions, including Disney Teacher of the Year and District Volunteer Coordinator of the Year. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to turn challenges into opportunities, making her a true cornerstone of her school community. As she prepares to retire later this year, we celebrate not only her incredible career but also the lasting legacy she leaves behind—one of compassion, leadership, and meaningful connection. She is being honored as Business Partnership Coordinator of the Year for her outstanding contributions, tireless dedication, and lasting impact on families and students alike. Bryce Luna Nominated by H.L. Johnson Elementary School Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year 2026 - Youth Category Mr. Evan Ross Nominated by Rosenwald Elementary School Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year 2026 - Adult Category Mrs. Jacqueline Radcliff Nominated by Pioneer Park Elementary Outstanding School Volunteer of the Year 2026 - Senior Category Aryanna Paulena Dwight D. Eisenhower Trent Watson Emerald Cove Middle Bryce Luna H.L. Johnson Elementary Lisvery Garcia-Avelar John I. Leonard High Sue Miller Jupiter High Roshan Oodal Suncoast Community High Ms. Jada Morris Timber Trace Elementary Mr. Walter Smith Wellington Elementary Ms. Jazmine Archbold Westward Elementary Mr. Steve Whalen Acreage Pines Elementary Mrs. Kelly Coletto Bak MIddle School of the Arts Rosana Perez Abonza Barton Elementary Ms. Ninett Hernandez Belvedere Elementary Mrs. Aguilar Berkshire Elementary Mr. Claudio Angel Boca Raton Community MIddle Mrs. Rebekah Acosta Boca Raton Elementary Mrs. Sohaila Lim Citrus Cove Elementary Mr. Jason Starks Emerald Cove Middle Mrs. Beth Poeschl Frontier Elementary Mrs. Germith Howell H.L. Johnson Elementary Mrs. Andrea Hernández Highland Elementary Mrs. Dana Kinsey Independence Middle Mrs. Debbie Wiley Independence Middle Mrs. Mary Bergman J.C. Mitchell Elementary Mrs. Elysa Kelly Jerry Thomas Elementary Mrs. Leilany Perez John I. Leonard High Mrs. Brea Ashcraft Jupiter Elementary Mrs. Lisa Flynn Jupiter High Kevin Avila Lake Worth Middle Ms. Erin Brites Manatee Elementary Mr. (Coach) John Posson Marsh Pointe Elementary Mrs. Alissa Keydel Palm Beach Central High Mrs. Ashley Bell Panther Run Elementary Mr. Evan Ross Rosenwald Elementary Mrs. Blackman Royal Palm Beach High Jennea Melnik Sandpiper Shores Elementary Mr. Gerald Collins, Esq. Sunrise Park Elementary Mrs. Tiffany Day Sunset Palms Elementary Mrs. Stephanie Digangi The Conservatory School Mrs. Kristy O'Brien Wellington Elementary Jaclyn Sasson Belvedere Elementary Mr. Belou Cazeau Chuck Shaw Technical Education Center Mrs. Maureen Schour Hagen Road Elementary Mr and Mrs Jorge Howell L. Watkins Middle Mrs. Ramona Smith Jerry Thomas Elementary Mrs. Suzanne McCarthy Jupiter Elementary Mrs. Jacqueline Radcliff Pioneer Park Elementary Mary Beth Strathman Sandpiper Shores Elementary Mrs. Maria Moore Seminole Trails Elementary Doris Cohen Sunset Palms Elementary Mrs. Sharon Kegg Timber Trace Elementary Ms. Robin Malinowski Village Academy Cristine Peterson West Gate Elementary Dr. Farah Tabassum Western Pines Middle Each year, these awards honor the business partners who exemplify outstanding service and investment in District students, teachers, and schools. Each of the recognized partners has gone above and beyond to contribute of time, talent, or resources, to transform the experience students, families, and educators have in District schools. Community Leader Silver: Abby Jablin, nominated by Grove Park Elementary Gold: Francine Mantyh, Realtor, nominated by Bak Middle School of the Arts Foundations Bronze: Kiwanis Club of Flagler Sunrise,nominated by Belvedere Elementary School Silver: Frenchman’s Creek Charities Foundation, Inc.,nominated by Grove Park Elementary School Gold: Palm Beach Public School Orchestral Strings Foundation, ominated by Palm Beach Public Health Services Bronze Level: Frosch Family Chiropractic, nominated by Woodlands Middle School Silver Level: West Boca Medical Center, nominated by West Boca Raton Community High Schoo Gold Level: Nicklaus Children's, nominated by Bak Middle School of the Arts Hospitality/Tourism Bronze Level: Outback Steakhouse #1093 Palm Beach Gardens, nominated by Grove Park Elementary Silver Level: Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, nominated by Palm Beach Central High School Gold Level: Texas Roadhouse, nominated by Crosspointe Elementary Large Business Bronze Level: Equitable Advisors, nominated by Citrus Cove Elementary, Crosspointe Elementary, and Carver Middle School Silver Level: CADY Studios, nominated by John I. Leonard High School Gold Level: Pero Family Farms Food Company, LLC, nominated by School Food Service Medium-Sized Business Gold Level: Bagel Boyz, nominated by Independence Middle School Small Business Bronze Level: Sit Means Sit Dog Training of Palm Beach County, nominated by Crosspointe Elementary Silver Level: Green Gorilla Print House, nominated by Acreage Pines Elementary Gold Level: Fischetti Law Group, nominated by Citrus Cove Elementary Not-For-Profit Organization Category Bronze Level: Mrs. Beverly Perham, Back to Basics, Inc., nominated by Grove Park Elementary School Silver Level: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, nominated by Performance Accountability Gold Level: Boca Helping Hands, nominated by Crosspointe Elementary The Public Sector Bronze Level: Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue, nominated by Palm Beach Gardens Community High Silver Level: Palm Beach Police Department, nominated by Palm Beach Public Gold Level: Boynton Beach Police Department, nominated by Crosspointe Elementary Two organizations have been named the School District of Palm Beach County’s nominees for the 2025-2026 Florida Education Commissioner’s Business Recognition Awards (CBRA). This award recognizes outstanding business education leaders and community partnerships that have shown the most commitment to bringing positive change and implementing bold, innovative approaches to improve the academic performance of students in Florida’s education system and communities. The School District of Palm Beach County has two nominees who will be submitted to the State. The winner of the 2026 Business Partner Pacesetter Award is Elegant City Paver Sealing & Epoxy. This award is given to business partners that go above and beyond in each business partnership area: time, talent, AND resources. The winning business partner has proven themselves to be a benchmark against which other business partners are measured. Elegant City Pavers has been an extraordinary partner to Saddle View Elementary School during its first year of operation. As a Diamond Partner, they made the maximum monetary donation to fund supplemental curriculum, tutorial sessions, and school events. They personally ensured that every third, fourth, and fifth grader received a house shirt for the Ron Clark Academy House System, bringing this important tradition to life. Their support doesn’t stop there. When the PE teacher needed extra materials for the inaugural Turkey Trot, Elegant City Pavers purchased and hand-delivered everything that was needed. Early in the school year, as the school was getting ready to open, they even delivered pizzas to feed the entire staff. The company consistently checks in to see how they can help, always offering time, resources, and generosity without expecting anything in return. Elegant City Pavers’ dedication and understanding of the positive impact business partnerships can have on students and the community make them a valuable partner. Their efforts have strengthened school culture, supported student success, and set a remarkable example.