2026 Volunteer & Business Partnership Awards

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

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

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.