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    This Feature Friday, we’re shining the spotlight on Lauren Burwell, an exceptional middle school mathematics teacher at Hallowes Cove Academy and a St. Johns County School District Teacher of the Year nominee! Mrs. Burwell’s passion for mathematics and commitment to scholar success are reflected in her intentional instruction, meaningful relationships, and ability to challenge every learner to reach beyond expectations. During HCA’s inaugural school year, her advanced placement scholars earned the highest eighth-grade mathematics scores in the entire district, an extraordinary accomplishment without a traditional eighth-grade cohort. Through dedication, high expectations, and an unwavering belief in every scholar’s potential, she demonstrates that excellence is intentionally cultivated, not simply achieved. Mrs. Burwell exemplifies what it means to inspire, empower, and elevate scholars. Thank you for making excellence your standard and leaving a lasting impact! Lauren Burwell Hallowes Cove Academy Math Teacher
    This Feature Friday we're shining the spotlight on Rafael Tavares, a dedicated ESE teacher at Ketterlinus Elementary and a 2027 Teacher of the Year nominee! For seven years, Mr. Tavares has made a lasting impact as an ESE teacher, following two years as a paraprofessional. His dedication goes beyond the classroom, as he empowers students to build self-regulation, strengthen social skills, and achieve academic success. Known for his caring nature and ability to build meaningful relationships, Mr. Tavares believes in every student's potential. His dedication extends beyond the classroom, as he continues checking in on former students and visiting them in middle school to encourage and support their continued success. A respected colleague, he also leads with kindness, professionalism, and a spirit of teamwork. His flexibility and positive attitude exemplify what it means to put students first and be an outstanding educator. Thank you, Mr. Tavares, for your unwavering dedication, compassion, and leadership. Your commitment makes a lasting difference in the lives of students and our school community! RAFAEL TAVARES KETTERLINUS ELEMENTARY - ESE TEACHER
    This Feature Friday we’re shining a spotlight on Mrs. Samantha Bowman, a dedicated mathematics educator at R. J. Murray Middle School and a 2027 Teacher of the Year nominee, who has spent eight years inspiring students to reach their full potential! From making math engaging and exciting to creating meaningful connections with students and families, Mrs. Bowman brings passion, creativity, and compassion into every classroom. Teaching 8th-grade mathematics, pre-algebra, and algebra, she tailors instruction to meet diverse learning needs and discovers unique ways to help every student succeed. Beyond the classroom, she has served as a grade-level team leader, provides after-school tutoring, and supports her school community with enthusiasm. Her caring heart, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment remind us that great teaching goes beyond lessons and transforms lives! Thank you, Mrs. Bowman, for making a daily difference in the lives of your students! SAMANTHA BOWMAN RJ Murray Middle 8th Grade Math Teacher St. Johns County School District
    This Feature Friday we're shining a spotlight on Kimberly Ludke, a first-grade teacher at W. D. Hartley Elementary and a 2027 Teacher of the Year nominee! Ms. Ludke exemplifies excellence in education through innovative instruction, meaningful relationships, and an unwavering commitment to student success. Her ability to meet students where they are and make learning engaging empowers every child to build confidence, while her commitment to excellence refuses to let a single student settle for less than their full potential. In a profession filled with dedicated individuals, Ms. Ludke stands in a category of her own. She is the teacher every parent hopes their child will have, the colleague every educator hopes to work beside, and the instructional leader every principal dreams of having on their team. Her classroom inspires confidence, a love of learning, and belief in extraordinary possibilities. Thank you, Ms. Ludke, for not only transforming students' academic outcomes but also making a lasting impact on their lives! KIMBERLY LUDKE W. D. HARTLEY ELEMENTARY - 1ST GRADE TEACHER ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
    This Feature Friday we're shining a spotlight on Ms. Katharina DeVauIt, a dedicated first-grade teacher at Lakeside Academy and a 2027 Teacher of the Year nominee! With 15 years of teaching experience and 7 years serving SJCSD, Ms. DeVault has made a meaningful impact at Liberty Pines Academy, Webster Elementary, and Lakeside Academy since its opening in 2024. As a team leader and instrumental contributor to Lakeside's Guy Harvey Conservation School designation, she exemplifies collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Her leadership helped her first-grade team achieve an impressive 83% ELA proficiency rate, ranking third in the district! Thank you Ms. DeVault for your commitment to student success, staff support, and a positive school culture. You are an invaluable member of our district community. KATHARINA DEVAULT LAKESIDE ACADEMY. 1ST GRADE TEACHER ST. JOHNS COUNTY
    D. Moultrie
    This Feature Friday, we're shining a spotlight on Gary Connors, Position Control Specialist, whose responsiveness, professionalism, and commitment make him a valued resource to our schools and district. Mr. Connors is known for his tremendous patience and respectful approach when working through questions related to position postings and staffing. He takes the time to ensure questions are fully understood and answered with clarity and precision. When additional information is needed, Mr. Connor is quick to research, follow up, and provide a thorough response. His colleagues appreciate his expertise, willingness to help, and dedication to providing exceptional service. Mr. Connors' knowledge and approachable nature make him a trusted resource for schools navigating Position Control matters. Mr. Connors, thank you for your dedication, expertise, and commitment to supporting our district with excellence. ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT GARY CONNORS HUMAN RESOURCES. HR SPECIALIST
    This Feature Friday we're shining a spotlight on Mrs. April Nicks an innovative and creative 4th grade teacher at Magnolia Oaks Academy. With more 20 years in education, Mrs. Nicks has dedicated her career to helping students learn, grow, and believe in themselves. She brings so much heart, enthusiasm, and joy to everything she does. After many wonderful years at Durbin Creek Elementary, Mrs. Nicks began a new chapter this year as a fourth-grade math science teacher at Magnolia Oaks Academy. As a grade-level team leader, she not only supports her students ,but also encourages and her colleagues through collaboration, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference. Mrs. Nicks believes every child can succeed when they have someone who believes in them. Thank you Mrs. Nicks for creating a classroom where students feel loved, valued, supported, and excited to learn. APRIL NICKS MAGNOLIA OAKS ACADEMY. 4TH GRADE
    This Feature Friday, we're shining a spotlight on Steven Ouchi, an exceptional fourth-grade educator at Hickory Creek Elementary who makes a difference every day. Mr. Ouchi understands that learning begins with connection. Each moming, he gathers his students for a moming meeting circle where they build relationships, strengthen social skills, express themselves, and prepare to learn both academically and socially. His conuniment to tie whole child helps students feel valued, supported, and ready to succeed. Mr. Ouchi rnakes learning meaningful and exciting through innovative experiences, including cultivating a hydroponic garden with his students. He also generously mentors new teachers and maintains what many consider the BEST school website in SJCSD! Thank you, Mr. Ouchi, for embodying the true spirit of teaching! ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL STEVEN OUCHI HICKORY CREEK ELEMENTARY • 4TH GRADE TEACHER
    This Feature Friday, we are proudly celebrating Ms. Abigail Holmes, 5th Grade Teacher at South Woods Elementary! Ms. Holmes leads with a caring heart, patience, and an extraordinary willingness to give the extra TLC our students need. She has a special gift for connecting with students who may be emotionally fragile, hesitant to trust adults, or facing behavioral challenges. Through her gentle approach, patience, and unwavering belief in every child, Ms. Holmes creates a space where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. But her impact doesn't stop at the classroom door! As SAC Chair and basketball coach, Ms. Holmes continues to build meaningful connections across the school community, always finding ways to encourage, support, and uplift students and colleagues. Ms. Holmes is truly a model of teaching with heart reminding us that sometimes the greatest difference we can make begins with simply showing a child that we care. Thank you, Ms. Holmes for all you do to make a difference in the lives of our students at South Woods! Keep making a difference, keep inspiring others, and keep soaring to new heights! ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ABIGAIL HOLMES SOUTH WOODS ELEMENTARY. 5TH GRADE TEACHER
    This Feature Friday, we proudly celebrate Leandra Ziecheck, World Language Teacher at Gamble Rogers Middle School! Mrs. Ziecheck is a true champion of the PBIS culture at GRMS, consistently finding meaningful ways to recognize, encourage, and celebrate student success. As a dedicated World Language educator, she brings a strong work ethic, years of expertise, and passion for her discipline to everything she does. She leads by example and inspires those around her to ensure students feel seen, valued, and celebrated. Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Ziecheck is a trusted and supportive colleague who is always willing to share her knowledge, lend a helping hand, and support others whenever needed. Her kindness, generosity, and commitment make her an invaluable part of the GRMS family. Thank you, Mrs. Ziecheck, for your dedication to our students, your colleagues, and our Stingray LEANDRA ZIECHECK GAMBLE ROGERS MIDDLE. WORLD LANGUAGE TEACHER community! Your kindenss and commitment continues to impact many lives. ST. JOHNS COUNTY SCHOOL
    This Feature Friday, we are celebrating Kyle Cooper , District Technology Support Specialist (DTSS), and an incredible 30-year care« decficated to serving St. Johns County students, staff, and schools! Mr. Cooper began his career at Murray Middle School as a paraprofessional, later transitioning to teaching at Hastings Elementary. Driven by a commitment to continuous learning and a natural talent for problem-solving, he transitioned into Information Technology, wowing into a skilled Desktop Engineer before joining the Technology Support team. In his current role, Mr. Cooper provides technical expertise, problem-solving, and exceptional customer service that help keep our schools connected and supported. Thank you, Mr. Cooper, for your years of commitment, dedication, and service to our school comnumity! St JOHNS COUNTY KYLE COOPER TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT SPECIALIST DISTRICT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
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