From Broward Schools
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) will honor outstanding educators and employees at the 2025 Caliber Awards Ceremony. The event recognizes the nominees, semi-finalists and finalists for Teacher of the Year, Principal of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year for their exemplary service and dedication to students and schools. The ceremony takes place on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 6 p.m., at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.
“The Caliber Awards celebrate the visionary leaders, dedicated teachers and innovative support staff who consistently go above and beyond,” said BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn. “These individuals inspire students, foster a love of learning and make a lasting impact on our community.”
Congratulations to the following 2025 Caliber Awards finalists:
Teacher of the Year Finalists
These talented Teacher of the Year finalists, with more than 100 years of combined experience in BCPS, exemplify the highest standards of teaching excellence.
Lillie deCastro, William T. McFatter Technical College and High School
Lillie deCastro is the magnet coordinator at William T. McFatter Technical College and High School, where she has dedicated the past 16 of her 30 years in education. She finds inspiration in the limitless potential she sees in her students, watching them discover the possibilities within themselves.
“Their curiosity, resilience and ambition inspire me daily. It is this sense of purpose that makes teaching not just a career but a calling,” said deCastro.
Matthew Feiler, West Broward High School
Matthew Feiler is a computer science teacher at West Broward High School, where he has served the past five of his 20-year career in education. He is driven to enrich the lives of his students by emphasizing learning beyond just content, instilling the importance of a well-rounded education and fostering a fun learning environment.
“Integrating my interest in computer science with my passion for teaching has granted me the opportunity to do what inspires me each day,” said Feiler.
Richard D. Lamarre, Miramar High School
Richard D. Lamarre is a chemistry and science teacher at Miramar High School, where he has spent all 10 years of his career in education. He prides himself on being a positive influence in his students’ lives.
“Beyond simply instructing curriculum, teachers play a pivotal role in connecting with students, inspiring them and improving their lives,” said Lamarre. “I find immense satisfaction in helping students surpass their expectations and pushing them to become the scholars I know they are capable of being.”
Not Picture – Dr. Jennifer Mehu, Park Lakes Elementary School
Dr. Jennifer Mehu, a teacher at Park Lakes Elementary School, has dedicated the past 14 of her 23-year education career to teaching kindergarten, second grade and currently, first grade. She finds inspiration in her students who continually challenge her to grow in her career.
“Being an educator means contributing to the foundation of all other professions, and it is a true honor to know that I have played a role in shaping future leaders,” said Dr. Mehu.
Deanna Waters, Sawgrass Springs Middle School
Deanna Waters is a literacy coach at Sawgrass Springs Middle School, where she has served the past six of her 32 years dedicated to education. She is inspired by the profound connections between literature, learning and each child’s unique qualities.
“Ultimately, it’s the shared moments of discovery and achievement that drive me as an educator,” said Waters. “I believe every child has the potential to succeed and I am dedicated to guiding them on their learning journey, celebrating their progress and helping them embrace the joy of learning.”
Principal of the Year Finalists
These exceptional educators have demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication to student success and a commitment to creating positive learning environments.
Luke Balchaitis, Floranada Elementary School
Luke Balchaitis has dedicated the past five years of his 19-year career in education to serving as Principal at Floranada Elementary School. Before his current role, he was Assistant Principal at Virginia Shuman Young Montessori. Under his leadership, Floranada Elementary has achieved a prestigious “A” grade from the state of Florida and ranks among the top 10 elementary schools in BCPS.
Sheneka Blue, Oriole Elementary School
Sheneka Blue is the Principal at Oriole Elementary School, where she has dedicated the past seven years of her 22-year career in education to serving students. Before her current role, she was Assistant Principal at Wilton Manors Elementary School. Under her leadership, Oriole Elementary achieved a significant milestone by earning a “B” rating from the state of Florida for the first time in 11 years. Remarkable academic progress has been made, with K – 5th grade reading proficiency increasing from 20% to 48% and K – 5th grade math proficiency increasing from 11% to 50% in the past year.
Vera Perkovic, Cooper City High School
Vera Perkovic, Principal at Cooper City High School, has dedicated the past five years of her 21-year career in BCPS to serving as an educational leader. Before her current role, she was Assistant Principal at South Broward High School. Under her leadership, Cooper City High has achieved significant milestones, including an “A” grade from the state of Florida and recognition as one of the “Best High Schools in the Nation” by U.S. News & World Report. She has overseen a remarkable increase in the school’s graduation rate, exceeding 99%.
Assistant Principal of the Year Finalists
These exceptional educators have a proven track record of driving student achievement and have made significant contributions to their schools and communities.
Jerelle Robinson-Owens, Apollo Middle School
Jerelle Robinson-Owens, Assistant Principal at Apollo Middle School, has dedicated the past four years of her eight-year career to serving student at BCPS. Under her leadership, Apollo Middle achieved considerable progress, earning a “B” rating from the state of Florida in 2024. According to the Florida Department of Education’s school grading model, Apollo Middle demonstrated remarkable growth in student proficiency, increasing from 74% in 2023 to 93% in 2024.
Not Pictured – Shenee Tasha Rowe, Blanche Ely High School
Shenee Tasha Rowe, Assistant Principal at Blanche Ely High School, has dedicated the past four years to serving students in BCPS. Before her current role, she was Assistant Principal at Attucks Middle School. Under her leadership, Blanche Ely High achieved a remarkable turnaround, improving from a “D” to a “B” grade in the 2023/24 school year. Blanche Ely High was one of two high schools in BCPS with the largest increase in English Language Arts proficiency last school year.
Not Pictured – Dr. Dana Thomson, Cross Creek School
Dr. Dana Thomson, Assistant Principal at Cross Creek School, has dedicated the past two years of her 11 years in education to advocating for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. At Cross Creek, she spearheaded efforts to empower educators and improve student outcomes. Under her leadership, the school’s Florida Department of Education School Improvement Rating moved from “Unsatisfactory” to “Maintaining,” with 97% of students with emotional behavioral disabilities participating in assessments.
School-Related Employee of the Year Finalists
These exceptional individuals are the backbone of their school communities, providing essential support and services that help their students to succeed.
Not Pictured – Kathy Doku, Cresthaven Elementary School
Kathy Doku is a Teacher Assistant at Cresthaven Elementary School, where she has dedicated the past seven of her 10 years at BCPS. She is currently working with four-year-old students in the Head Start Program. “Ms. Doku is a caring hardworking individual who focuses on building meaningful relationships,” said Principal Donald Lee. “Of all her outstanding qualities, the one that endures the most is her sincere care for the Cresthaven Elementary community. She consistently conveys this through her patience and respectful approach to working with students, parents and colleagues.”
Not Pictured – IdaZoe Pagan, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Montessori Academy
IdaZoe Pagan is the Parent Educator for Head Start at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Montessori Academy, where she has dedicated almost all her five-and-a-half year-career at BCPS. “Mrs. Pagan has been an invaluable asset to our school community,” said Principal Mitshuca Parent. “Her unwavering dedication and commitment to our families are evident in her daily interactions and the positive impact she has made on our school culture is undeniable. She serves as a bridge between the school and home, ensuring parents are well-informed and engaged in their children’s education. Her dedication, compassion and commitment to students and families are truly unparalleled.”
Rachel Silber, Hollywood Hills High School
Rachel Silber is the Community Outreach Liaison at Hollywood Hills High School, where she has dedicated the past eight years to serving students and families in BCPS. “Hollywood Hills High is a leader in community engagement thanks to her work,” said Principal Daniel Most. “Hundreds of volunteers contribute to the school and community projects due to her efforts. Ms. Silber has also forged partnerships with local businesses and organizations, securing vital resources for our students and staff. She exemplifies dedication and sets a positive example for our students.”
Not Pictured – Tracy-Ann Smith, Boyd Anderson High School
Tracy-Ann Smith, Office Manager at Boyd Anderson High School, has dedicated the past four of her 25-year career in BCPS to serving the school community. “Ms. Smith possesses a unique ability to streamline vague ideas, develop a structured approach and understand the potential impact of any initiative on our institution,” said Principal James Griffin. “Recognizing the critical importance of literacy and ensuring student success, Smith collaborated with Florida Atlantic University partners to develop a program to meet the diverse needs of our student population. This pilot program was highly successful in helping students improve their reading skills and ultimately meet their graduation requirements.”
Not Pictured – Jonette Waters, Lake Forest Elementary School
Jonette Waters is the Technical Support Specialist at Lake Forest Elementary School, where she has dedicated the past 13 of her 30 years serving students at BCPS. “In her role, she consistently exemplifies dedication, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to supporting the technology needs of both students and staff alike,” said Principal Denise Dopico-Lizano. “She is hardworking, reliable and always goes above and beyond to ensure that any technology-related challenges or concerns are swiftly addressed. Her contributions have had a profound impact on our school, and she continues to inspire everyone with her tireless dedication and support.”
Caliber Awards Sponsors
The Caliber Awards presenting sponsor is BrightStar Credit Union. Other sponsors include Aetna, After School Programs (ASP), Broward Education Foundation, Broward Principals’ and Assistant Principals’ Association, Broward Teachers’ Union, The Corradino Group, Florida Blue, Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), JetBlue, Nova Southeastern Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, and Sunshine After School Childcare.
For more information about the finalists and the 2025 Caliber Awards, visit browardschools.com/caliber-awards.
