Distinguished class of Broward County public school alumni recognized
Fort Lauderdale, Florida – (December 13, 2022) Now in its 40th year of supporting teachers and students, Broward Education Foundation recognized distinguished leaders in business, education and the community who are alumni of Broward County Public Schools during the 10th annual Publix Super Markets Charities 2022 BIG 10 Hall of Fame Awards presented by Memorial Healthcare System.
“This year is particularly noteworthy because the Foundation is celebrating 40 years of supporting teachers and students in Broward Schools. The Hall of Fame Awards, now in its 10th year, are a testament to the outstanding graduates from our public schools and the teachers who had such a positive impact on their lives,” said Broward Education Foundation Board Chair Jean McIntyre. “It is an honor to recognize these dedicated leaders, mentors, and role models.”
The recipient of the JM Family Enterprises, Inc. Bravo! Award is Eric Jones, Jr., an armed services veteran who is a senior pastor and founder of the Koinonia Worship Center & Village. He served as mayor of the City of West Park for 15 years and is a 1965 graduate of Attucks High School.
Community leaders who received the Office Depot Community Achievement Award for significant accomplishments in any field were:
- Brett Atkinson, South Florida President of Moss Construction and Nova High School graduate, class of 1989
- Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca, President and founder of The LaMarca Group and Northeast High School graduate, class of 1986
- Stacy Ritter, CDME, President and CEO of Visit Lauderdale and Piper High School graduate, class of 1978
Recipients of the Broward Teachers Union Education Achievement Award for their dedication to a career in public education were:
- Eric Chisem, Talent Acquisition and Operations Director for Broward County Public Schools and Dillard High School graduate, class of 1993
- Wanda E. Haynes, Village Elementary School Principal and Nova High School graduate, class of 1985
- Lisa Milenkovic, STEM+Computer Science Curriculum Supervisor for Broward County Public Schools and Coral Springs High School graduate, class of 1981
“To hear stories from our honorees about the teachers, coaches, and counselors in Broward County Public Schools that helped them along the way is so inspiring,” said Shea Ciriago, CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “They are all so passionate about giving back, particularly when it comes to students. We are here to support our students and the teachers who can sometimes literally change the course of a student’s path by being in their life.”
The 2022 honorees are also honored with a large, engraved granite star on the BrightStar Credit Union “Walk of Fame” permanently located at the Broward County Public Schools district office, 600 S.E. Third Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.
Joining Publix Super Markets Charities, Memorial Healthcare System, BrightStar Credit Union, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Office Depot and Broward Teachers Union, were additional partners including, Moss Construction, Bank of America, LEGO Construction, Broward Health, Charter Schools of Excellence and Humana.
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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 $4 million to Broward County schools, serving as the catalyst for educational excellence.
In 2018, and responding to the Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy, Broward Education Foundation initiated a GoFundMe, established the official Stoneman Douglas Victims’ Fund and raised $10.5M for victims’ families, survivors and those impacted. Broward Education Foundation is proven agile, adept and responsive to shifting needs in education and our community. For more information visit Broward Education Foundation, email BEFInfo@browardschools.com, like or follow us on Facebook , Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
