“MR. KEY WEST” HANDS OUT $40,000 IN AWARDS TO ‘TEACHERS OF MERIT’ AT KEY WEST HIGH SCHOOL 

KEY WEST, Fla. – David Wolkowsky, affectionately known as “Mr. Key West” to many, awarded eight teachers $5,000 each at Key West High School in the first week of June. Mr. Wolkowsky has been bestowing the Teachers of Merit Awards for 16 years, since 2001. The educators learned they’d been chosen during a faculty meeting after watching a short film dedicated to Mr. Wolkowsky.

Teachers receiving the award from previous years were showcased in the short film. In it, they thanked Mr. Wolkowsky for his generosity.  Many believe the awards have motivated teachers to emulate their benefactor by giving back to the community. Liana Blanco, an English Language Learners teacher, and recipient of the award this year, said she is grateful for Mr. Wolkowksy’s contribution. “I appreciate how Mr. Wolkowsky supports education in our community.  We face so many challenges in our schools, and we need help from our community to be successful.  He has consistently supported teachers for many years in a meaningful way, and I truly appreciate it,” Liana Blanco said.

Mr. Wolkowsky has collaborated with Key West High School’s administration and the Monroe County School District in hopes of encouraging teacher retention at KWHS and as an effort to garner more support and recognition for the teachers within the community. “It’s so important, in a thriving community that we have good teachers who are appreciated by the community for their work,” Mr. Wolkowsky said.

The following educators received the honor for 2017:

Liana Blanco | English Language Learners Teacher

Sarah Smith | Media Specialist

Mary Swan | Reading Teacher

Shannon Perkins | Art Teacher

Nora Laubenstein | AVID and History Teacher

Tara Whitehead | Science Teacher & Teacher Professional Development Coordinator

Valerie Palay | French Language & Life Skills Development Teacher

The Community Foundation of the Florida Keys also coordinates with Mr. Wolkowsky on the yearly award system. To learn more information about the foundation, the Teachers of Merit Awards, and Mr. Wolkowsky, click here. For more information about the Monroe County School District, visit the website and find us on Facebook @MYMCSD

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