Key West Chamber of Commerce

honors extraordinary educators

As part of its ongoing commitment to education and the future of the community, the Key West of Chamber of Commerce regularly honors the area’s best and brightest teachers.

These individuals, nominated by their peers and school principals, leave a legacy in each of the students they teach and contribute to a brighter outlook for everyone.

Each honoree receives a commemorative plaque and a gift bag of appreciation from chamber members who show their support of teachers through gift certificates, merchandise or cash donations.

The Key West Chamber of Commerce, as always, is proud to honor the following Key West teachers for their tireless dedication to the island’s youngest residents:

Kimberly Butler, physical education teacher, Poinciana Elementary

Kimberly Butler has been teaching in Monroe County for 17 years, but only recently joined the Poinciana Elementary School staff as the school’s new physical education coach.

Poinciana Principal Christina McPherson said Kimberly is doing an “amazing job engaging the children so they learn while becoming physically fit.” She added that several parents have approached Ms. Butler to voice their appreciation for her teaching and for her design of special, UV-protective t-shirts for students to wear on P.E. days.

“She has taken a proactive approach to helping homeroom classes during their outside time by providing playground balls for kids to play with at recess,” McPherson added. “Her dedication and passion are admired by all.”

Jacqueline Davila, first-grade teacher, Gerald Adams Elementary

Jacqueline Davila has been teaching in Monroe County for 27 years and still manages to prepare each lesson with the theory that all students will incrementally learn and master the content, said Principal Frannie Herrin.

“Jacqueline was selected for this recognition due to her dedication to students and her unbending belief that every student is a learner,” Herrin said. “Jackie is always one of the first teachers to arrive each day and manages to smile and move forward through the more trying moments as well as the satisfying times.”

Jessica Giusti, first-grade teacher, Sigsbee Charter School

Jessica Giusti has been teaching locally for nine years and is currently the first-grade teacher at Sigsbee Charter School.

Principal Eli Jannes describes Giusti as “the epitome of what teachers model their practice after. Jessica is humble, allowing her students to shine. She is patient, respecting her learners as individuals and recognizing the potential in each.”

Jessica has high expectations for herself and her students, crafting effective lessons for students who perform at all levels. She also works tirelessly in the school’s summer education program and mentors new teachers, said Principal Jannes.

“Jessica Giusti is a model professional: Intelligent, dedicated, compassionate, effective and a lifelong learner.”

            Alexis Hopkins, lower elementary grades, Key West Montessori Charter

Alexis Hopkins is currently in her eighth year of teaching and is being honored for “making her school a more positive and peaceful place to learn and work,” said Principal Lynn Barras, who commended Alexis for initiating the school’s C.A.R.E. program which highlights Courtesy, Awareness, Responsibility and Enthusiasm in all things students do.

“It’s become such an important component of our program that we’ve begun engaging families to model C.A.R.E. at home as well,” wrote Principal Barras.

Kevin Walden, 6th and 7th grade science teacher, Sugarloaf School

Sugarloaf Principal Harry Russell describes Kevin Walden, who has been teaching for 13 years, as “the purest example of real teacher leadership, as he is leading the charge for preparing students and teachers for a 21st century economic work force.”

Walden has been the driving force behind the school’s recent introduction of Chromebooks for each middle school student.

“He has spent tireless hours educating himself about the Chromebook and the Google Education Classroom platform,” said Principal Russell. “He is now training teachers and students in how to take advantage of this new device.”

Henry Boza, foreign language teacher, Key West High School

Henry Boza has been both a teacher and an administrator, and is himself a product of the Monroe County School District. He is viewed by his students and fellow teachers as a passionate teacher, a mentor and a friend, said Principal Amber Bosco at Key West High School.

Boza has been teaching for 15 years and has spent 10 years as an administrator.

“His professionalism, work ethic and positive attitude make him an invaluable asset to the KWHS faculty,” Bosco wrote. “He is a model of strength and wisdom to his students, as well as his peers.”

Jessica Lund, 6th grade language arts teacher, Horace O’Bryant School

Jessica Lund has become a vital part of the HOB leadership team in her four years of teaching in Monroe County.

She was elected this year as 6th grade team leader, attended the AVID Summer Institute and is big part of the school’s programs, said HOB Principal Mike Henriquez.

“Jessica is a vital part of our team and her efforts are greatly appreciated,” Principal Henriquez said in nominating Lund.

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