
We thank our lucky stars to have so many outstanding educators with PCPS!
Twenty new PCPS teachers have made this year’s list of “Rising Stars” by Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG). DKG is an international society that promotes women educators. Every year the local Lambda chapter names a list of Rising Stars, who are new “exemplary and promising” teachers (male or female) from PCPS schools, nominated by their principals.
The honorees were recognized during a ceremony last week at Spessard Holland Elementary, and each received a $50 prize.
“This year’s Rising Stars have shown determination, flexibility, adaptability, and they are passionate about making a difference in the lives of the children in their classrooms,” said Dr. Lana Headley, principal at Dundee Elementary Academy, and a past president of DKG’s Lambda chapter. “Our future is bright — get out your shades!”
Congratulations to our Rising Stars for 2024-25:
- Jenna Baine, Fort Meade Middle-Senior High
- Carley Betterley, Kathleen Elementary
- Jodi Cross, Lake Region High
- Cameron DeManicor, Chain of Lakes Elementary
- Sonia Dryden, R. Bruce Wagner Elementary
- Jessica Evans, Garden Grove Elementary
- Megan Froehlich, Crystal Lake Elementary
- Fabiola Gonzalez, Eagle Lake Elementary
- Evy Hatzigiannis, Padgett Elementary
- Makenna Herrington, Sleepy Hill Elementary
- Makayla Hines, Dundee Elementary Academy
- James Houle, Spessard Holland Elementary
- Grace Kirkland, Scott Lake Elementary
- Mary McMann, Highlands Grove Elementary
- Carmen Paez, Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin Jr. Elementary
- Sharonda Rankine, Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary
- Kinsey Rill, Dixieland Elementary
- Sara Rojas Marquez, Floral Avenue Elementary
- Christina Sanchez, Oscar J. Pope Elementary
- Taniya Scurles, Purcell Elementary
