Education, Business and Community Leaders Recognized for Exceptional Contributions
(Photo credit: Downtown Photography)
By Diana Hanford
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. –Outstanding leaders in education, business and the community, all alumni of Broward County Public Schools, were honored at the 2025 Hall of Fame Award Breakfast presented by Publix Super Markets Charities. The sold-out event was held at First Baptist Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, December 10.
In addition to receiving their awards at the breakfast, the 2025 honorees were commemorated with an engraved granite star on the BrightStar Credit Union “Walk of Fame” plaza at the Broward County Public Schools district office and recognized on the Wall of Fame in the lobby of the building. BrightStar Credit Union is a longtime valued partner of Broward Education Foundation.
“Our honorees are shining examples of the education students receive in Broward County Public Schools, becoming leaders in business, education and in the community,” said Dustin Jacobs, board chair of Broward Education Foundation and vice president of marketing for BrightStar Credit Union. “Through our support of the Broward Education Foundation, we not only celebrate these outstanding individuals, we are also inspiring the next generation of leaders in our schools to continue following in the footsteps of present and past Hall of Fame Award recipients.”
The 2025 Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame honorees included:
Broward Teachers Union Education Achievement Award recipients:
Jennifer Andreu, Executive Director, Procurement & Logistic Operations, Broward County Public Schools
Plantation High School, Class of 1989
Melissa Holtz, Director, Elementary Learning, Broward County Public Schools
JP Taravella High School, Class of 1990
Rosheika Rolle, Acting Principal, Charles Drew Elementary School
Miramar High School, Class of 2001
Community Achievement Award recipients:
Terri-Ann Bennett, M.D, Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Memorial Healthcare System
Blanche Ely High School, Class of 2002
Michael Lessne, Managing Partner, Lessne Hoffman PLLC
Nova High School, Class of 2001
Lisa Rhodes Ryans, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, AutoNation
McArthur High School, Class of 1995
The JM Family Enterprises Bravo! Award is presented to a graduate who has made a lasting mark in the community:
Ryan Nash, Mechanical Contractor, William R. Nash, LLC
Nova High School, Class of 1991
“Each year we recognize outstanding graduates of Broward County Public High Schools who embody the spirit of service and demonstrate how the investment in education can change lives and strengthen our community,” said James A. Knapp, President and CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “They are remarkable individuals who continue to have an impact throughout their career.”
About Broward Education Foundation:
The nonprofit Broward Education Foundation aligns with Broward County Public Schools by providing grants for teachers who develop innovative curriculum that increases student outcomes; vitally needed school supplies for students and teachers in Title I schools; scholarships for qualified high school seniors; and support for programs and initiatives like Debate, TurnAround Arts, STEM and more. Each year, Broward Education Foundation contributes nearly $5 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence.
For more information, visit Broward Education Foundation, email BEFInfo@browardschools.com, and like or follow us on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.