School Board members Yvette Talbott, Mindy Conn, Dr. Sue Woltanski, Superintendent Ed Tierney, honoree George Fernandez, Board Chair John Dick and Vice-Chair Darren Horan.

Monroe County, FL , The Monroe County School Board held its regular business meeting on Tuesday and recognized several people for their contributions to schools, the school district and the community as a whole.

The School District recognized George Fernandez with a Community GEM (Great Educational Moments) Award for his commitment and generosity in sponsoring live theater events geared toward students in the community; he is responsible for bringing to the Keys such shows as Puppy Pals, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Yuk Show, Page Turners and more. Over 4,000 students have experienced live theater events this year alone thanks to Fernandez and his generous contributions, making arts accessible and inspiring young minds. He has also stepped up to support the Key West High School Fashion Club this year and is  active in many other areas of the community where there is a need.

“George is always there when there is a need, and is not only generous, but more than happy to help,” said Superintendent Edward Tierney. “He is truly a GEM for our community as a whole and we thank him for all that he does for our school district and our students,” he said.

Others recognized for GEM  Awards included two KWHS students in the MOVE program (Monroe Occupation and Vocational Experiences), Wenskerry Jourdain and Mylins Casseus, who have spent many intern hours working at Gerald Adams Elementary School working in supporting roles at the school. The MOVE Program is a partnership with local businesses to provide career training for high school students interested in entering the workforce after graduation. To find out more about the program, go to keysschools.com.  Allens Alexandre received a GEM Award for earning a silver medal at state competition in wrestling. Also recognized was Zaylee Hayes, a KWHS student who saw a teacher in distress and acted swiftly to summon assistance, possibly saving the teacher’s life. Sugarloaf School Volleyball Coach Jerry Harbin earned a GEM for his volunteer work at Sugarloaf School, donating countless hours for the past seven years to the volleyball program

In other action, Patrick Lefere, Executive Director of Operations & Planning gave board members an update on Rex Weech Field. He said the project is on track to be complete by September 30th. He added that the on-site training center is almost complete and work is moving forward on the concession stand and museum. 

Board members voted on an action item to elect two members to the Florida School Board Association. This nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation serves as the collective voice for Florida’s 67 elected school boards; its goal is to increase student achievement through effective leadership development and advocacy for public education in the state of Florida. School Board Member Dr. Sue Woltanski was elected as the district’s primary representative, with Yvette Mira-Talbott as her alternate.

Please contact me for further information or if you have questions.

Amber Archer Acevedo
Deputy Superintendent
Monroe County School District
amber.acevedo@keysschools.com
305-293-1400 ext. 53319 or 305-360-2355

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