Congratulations To The Freedom High Graduating Class of 2025! 

By the time you read this, the Freedom High Class of 2025 will already have had its graduation ceremony, which was held on May 23 at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall. 

Every graduate has a story that has led them to this exciting milestone in their lives. Listed below are highlights of some of the extraordinary students from this class. 

Outstanding seniors were recognized in the school’s annual Red, White, and Blue Awards Ceremony, held his year on Apr. 24. 

Congratulations to Freedom High School’s top 10 students, according to their weighted grade point averages (GPAs). 

1. Roham Farhardi Valedictorian 

GPA: 11.04 

College plans: 

University of Florida, 

Biomedical Engineering 

Note – Roham Farhardi’s 11.04 GPA is the highest ever at Freedom, and is also the highest in all of Hillsborough County this year. GPAs above 4.0 are attained by taking college-level classes, including dual enrollment, advanced placement (AP) and AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education, a program offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education). Roham began taking dual enrollment high school classes in sixth grade and completed a total of 47 courses, while only 25-28 is typical. He is leaving high school with 96 college credits already earned, scored a 1580 out of 1600 on the SAT, and was named a National Merit Finalist, ranking among the top 15,000 students nationally of the 1.3 million who took the PSAT as a qualifying exam. 

2. Rose Khosh 

Salutatorian 

GPA: 9.36 

College plans: 

University of Florida, Biology (Pre-Dental track) 

3. Elena Le 

GPA: 8.96 

College plans: 

University of Florida, Health Science 

4. Zachary Harmon 

GPA: 7.96 

College plans: 

University of Florida, Environmental Science 

5. Joseph Afiat 

GPA: 7.629 

College plans: 

University of Florida, Astrophysics 

6. Gregory Murashkin 

GPA: 7.44 

College plans: 

U.S. Naval Academy, Mechanical Eng. or 

Quantitative Economics 

7. Sunjay Bale 

GPA: 7.359 

College plans: University of Florida, Engineering 

8. Anthony Murashkin 

GPA: 7.345 

College plans: 

U.S. Air Force Academy, Mechanical Eng. or military & strategic studies 

9. Emma Schroeder 

GPA: 7.219 

College plans: 

University of Florida, 

Sports & Business Mgmt. 

10. Jorge Gonzalez 

GPA: 7.023 

College plans: 

Hillsborough CC, then 

University of Florida, 

Criminology 

In addition to naming its top-10 students, six scholarships were presented at the school’s Red, White and Blue Awards Ceremony. Given by the Freedom Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), each honoree below earned a $500 award: 

Joseph Afiat is a leader in chorus, honor societies and campus initiatives. He will attend the University of Florida and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in STEM, hoping to work with innovative companies to use science to solve global problems. 

Sarah McAveety is a campus leader who participates in clubs, sports and rigorous academics. She plans to attend the University of Central Florida and hopes to have a career in aerospace engineering, space exploration, or serving her country as a fighter-jet pilot. 

Andrew Switzer is involved in student government, honor societies and created an e-sports program at Freedom. He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at USF. 

Nico Baisley was the manager for the softball team, participated in theatre, Best Buddies and other organizations. Nico plans to attend Hillsborough Community College and hopes to become a special education teacher. 

The Radiance Orthodontics Community Service Award was presented to Emma Schroeder, recognizing her commitment to serving others. Emma served more than 400 hours during her high school career as a volunteer with RAISE, tutoring students in reading, writing and spelling, and participated in other organizations such as Key Club and Mu Alpha Theta. She will attend the University of Florida. 

The PTSA also offered the anonymously funded Bridge Forward Scholarship, honoring a graduating senior who has demonstrated personal growth, resilience, and commitment to building a brighter future despite challenges. This scholarship was awarded to Jonathan Assefa, who plans to attend USF and pursue a career in cybersecurity. As a student with autism, Jonathan joined chorus to build social confidence and remained open to new experiences,. He hopes to inspire others with autism to break barriers, too. 

Congratulations to the entire Freedom High School class of 2025! 

Editor’s Note – Although photographer Charmaine George was able to take photos at the awards ceremony for Wharton High, neither myself nor Charmaine was available to attend the awards event at Freedom, so the top-10 photos, which were borrowed from Freedom’s Instagram page, and the information on this page were all we were able to provide for the school. 

We apologize for not being able to do more to honor the graduating students at both of New Tampa’s high schools. — GN 

Congratulations To The Wharton High Graduating Class of 2025! 

The Wharton High Class of 2025 will walk across the stage at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall on Thursday, May 29, where they will toss their caps and officially leave high school behind. 

Before they go, however, the future graduates are participating in many traditions and lots of “lasts,” such as the last exam, the last day of school and one last ceremony to recognize the most outstanding among a sea of successful students. 

Wharton’s Senior Awards Ceremony was held on May 7, where the top students in academics were honored and dozens of students were recognized by individual departments for being the outstanding student in a variety of subjects – everything from math to physical education to art. 

The ceremony included recognition of the school’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, along with the other eight students who round out the school’s top 10 by weighted grade point average (GPA). They are: 

1. Shruti Mishra, Valedictorian (right in top left photo), with a GPA of 8.3082. Shruti will attend the University of Florida to study Computer Science. 

2. Ananda Ravinder, Salutatorian (left in top left photo), with a GPA of 7.6767. Ananda will attend the University of South Florida (USF) to study Data Science. 

3. Ayush Patel 

4. Samantha Leyva Suarez 

5. Radhika Dhanpat 

6. Sean Kwon 

7. Jesus Contreras* 

8. Aaron Wonderley 

9. Gavin Raitt* 

10. Nishtha Hirapara 

Twelve students will leave Wharton High with perfect unweighted GPAs of 4.0. Of those 12, only two are among the school’s top-10 students listed above — Jesus Contreras and Gavin Raitt. The other 4.0 unweighted GPA graduates are Gina Cocchiola, Shriya Patnaik, Marisol Peak, Isabella Pena, Danielle Pliego, Brady Quinn, Andria Santhosh, Dylan Stamper, Kayla Strocchio and Abigail Welsh earned nothing less than an “A” in all of their high school classes. 

Margaret Alma (at right in photo right) was recognized as a National Merit Commended Student. Of the 1.3 million students who took the PSAT screening exam, only about 34,000 students nationally (2.6%) were recognized with this honor. 

Several scholarships were awarded by the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA). Each of the scholarships required an application, essay and letter of recommendation. A volunteer committee reviewed the submitted applications with all personal information redacted and scholarships were awarded to the highest-scoring students. 

Tampa City Councilman Luis Viera presented two of the scholarships, including a new one introduced this year called the PTSA CTE (Career & Technical Education) Award, specifically to honor students pursuing a vocational career after graduation. 

“The CTE scholarship was something I introduced this year because I am passionate about the trades,” said Shannon Briones, PTSA president. “Our winner completely embodied the concept behind the scholarship, as someone who was taking one of the great trade classes offered at Wharton, finding that passion, and then going on to pursue that trade at the next level at a local school in our community.” 

Christian Perna (with Viera in photo above ) earned a $1,000 award towards his upcoming enrollment at Erwin Technical College, where he will continue studying culinary arts, as he did at Wharton. Christian was recognized as a consistent leader in both the kitchen and the classroom, graduating with a GPA of 4.6 and having won a local baking competition. 

“It’s great to celebrate the 4.0 students and the valedictorian,” said Briones, “and also great to celebrate those who are the service professionals you hire for your home and car, and who work in the restaurants and shops. That’s what makes the community.” She said she is excited that the PTSA will continue to offer the CTE scholarship next year. 

Viera also presented the Radiance Orthodontics Community Service Award to Abigail Alt (at right in photo with Viera). This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the community, regardless of GPA, but Abigail achieved both with a weighted GPA of 6.6 and more than 120 hours logged serving others through local organizations such as Tampa Parks & Recreation, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, Bay Chapel Food Pantry, Relay for Life and others. She will attend the University of South Florida and pursue a career in pediatric nursing. 

Four additional PTSA scholarships were presented by HCPS School Board Chair Jessica Vaughn to outstanding students. 

Samantha Leyva Suarez (right in left photo with Vaughn), who earned a weighted GPA of 7.60 and was honored through the National Hispanic Recognition Program, will attend USF to pursue a degree in medicine. 

Lucas Sauer, who demonstrated a commitment to academics, community service and athletics as captain of the Wharton baseball team, will attend Greensboro College to pursue a degree in sports management. Samantha and Lucas each earned $500. 

Michael Jensen (at right in right photo with Vaughn), who excelled in academics and was captain of the golf team will attend Mississippi State University in Starkville in the school’s PGA Golf Management program. 

Adrianna Castillo, who is graduating with a GPA of 6.41 and served as senior class president, will attend Florida State University in Tallahassee to pursue a degree in health sciences. Michael and Adrianna each received $250. 

Wharton principal Taryn Anello presented her “Turnaround Award” to Adolfo Castillo (below left) and “Golden Wildcat” awards to Cyron Gray (bottom center photo) and Gabriella Hawkins (bottom right). 

Congratulations to these outstanding students and the entire Wharton class of 2025!

Freedom High Chorus Set To Perform At New York’s Carnegie Hall In April! 

Freedom High chorus students last got to visit New York City in 2023. In a couple of months, 33 Freedom students will be taking a trip to the Big Apple to perform in the National Concert Chorus at the renowned Carnegie Hall, but they need some financial assistance. (Photo provided by Amber Faircloth) 

Freedom High chorus students are preparing for the experience of a lifetime — an upcoming trip to sing at the renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

Amber Faircloth, the school’s choral director, says Freedom students will perform in the National Concert Chorus, singing a variety of choral repertoire numbers under the direction of esteemed directors, along with several other high schools from across the country. 

The trip will include three days of rehearsals with the students from other schools. The students, their chaperones and teacher also will see the musical “Hadestown” and do some sightseeing. They’ll have a dress rehearsal and concert in Carnegie Hall, then attend a reception at the Hard Rock Café, where the venue will be shut down exclusively for them from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. 

The event is put on by National Concerts, an organization that aims to “provide impactful performance opportunities for musicians, empowering them to reach their highest potential through innovative collaborations.” 

Of about 70 total students in Freedom’s chorus program, 33 will attend the trip Mar. 29-Apr. 2. The National Concert Chorus performance will be held on Tuesday, April 1. 

Faircloth says her goal is to do a big trip every year. She wasn’t able to lead trips during and shortly after Covid but, in 2023, she took students to New York City to do a Broadway tour, where they saw three shows and participated in a workshop. Last year, they went to Williamsburg, VA, where they participated in the Williamsburg Heritage Festival and were evaluated on their performance. 

“The performance part of the Williamsburg trip made it so much more special because they had something to work toward,” Faircloth says. 

This year, she is thrilled to take them to the next level. “Carnegie Hall is a very special venue they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to perform in,” she says. 

Faircloth has taught at Freedom since her graduation in 2018 from Florida State University in Tallahassee with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She’s made it a goal to give her students memories that will last a lifetime, like the ones she had as a student in Hillsborough County’s Newsome High in Lithia. 

“My high school chorus teacher gave me the best chorus experience,” she says. “I remember in vivid detail my madrigal dinners and competitions and trips. I want to give my students memories they can take and live with the rest of their lives.” 

She says chorus also offers students a positive experience and something fun in their day to look forward to, and exposes them to new things they can be successful with, such as Freedom’s own annual madrigal dinner, as we reported last issue. 

A madrigal dinner, an evening of Renaissance-style entertainment, may be something students are not familiar with until they join chorus, she says, but “it’s a fun, festive way to ring in the holiday season.” 

Upcoming performances that are open to the public include a coffeehouse fundraiser with solo and small group performances at Lutz Community Church on Friday, April 11, 6 p.m. “Shrek the Musical” will be held in the Freedom auditorium the weekend of May 1-3 and the chorus spring concert will be Thursday, May 15, 6:30 p.m

Faircloth says Freedom is looking for community support to help her chorus students take the trip of a lifetime to perform at Carnegie Hall. 

Students have already paid $1,725 each to attend, but that is well short of the actual cost of the trip. “A lot of students have taken up jobs to pay for the trip themselves, and their families are working very hard for them to have this opportunity,” Faircloth explains. “We’ve done quite a bit of fundraising and applied for grants to cover the cost as much as possible.” 

Faircloth says she’s hoping additional community support could help to limit the amount students have to pay for New York City’s famously expensive meals and activities. 

To support the students’ trip, visit FreedomHSChoralBoosters.square.site and choose the “Donate” option. Businesses that are interested in sponsorship opportunities, which will include recognition on social media and in concert programs, can email AmberFaircloth@HCPS.net for more information.

Antonyia McCray & Bonnie Walters Win District Honors! 

Leto High’s Edward Bryson Beats Out New Tampa’s Roxi Coriell & Adam Wilinsky For ‘Teacher Of The Year’ 

Hillsborough County Public Schools named the following winners of its “Excellence in Education” awards at the District’s annual awards event at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa on Jan. 23: (l.-r.) Tampa Palms Elementary’s principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters was named the Instructional Support Employee of the Year, AICE history teacher Henry Bryson of Leto High was named the 2025 Teacher of the Year and Freedom High success coach Antonyia McCray won the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year honors. (Photo courtesy of Hillsborough County Public Schools) 

 As we told you on page 1 of last issue, New Tampa’s Hillsborough County Public Schools had four finalists waiting to hear if they would win the District’s coveted “Excellence in Education” awards for 2025. 

When those winners were announced, at the Jan. 23 “Mission to the Stars” Excellence in Education awards event, held at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa, two of New Tampa’s four finalists were the proud recipients of their respective honors. 

First, Freedom High success coach Antonyia McCray was named the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year. Next, Tampa Palms Elementary principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters won the award as the District’s Instructional Support Employee of the Year. 

All that was left for it to be a clean sweep for New Tampa schools was for either Hunter’s Green Elementary Kindergarten teacher Roxanne (“Roxi”) Coriell or Pride Elementary fifth grade math & science teacher Adam Wilinsky to be named as the District’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. 

Freedom High success coach Antonyia McCray is clearly happy about being named the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year.

Sadly, the sweep wasn’t meant to be, as Henry Bryson, the Advanced International Certificate (AICE) history teacher at Leto High, was named the winner of the evening’s final, and most coveted, prize. Even so, it was an amazing night that Jannah and I were thrilled to attend. 

It had been many years since I last attended a Hillsborough Education Foundation Excellence in Education Awards event, but I am so glad Jannah and I attended the one on Jan. 23 at the Straz Center together. Although I can’t personally vouch for any of the finalists, if you think your children’s teachers and support staff in New Tampa’s schools aren’t amazing, I have seen clear evidence that at least some of them actually are. 

Our favorite parts of the evening’s festivities were the speeches by the student “escorts” for each of the finalists. Each of these young people, from age eight or nine to college age, spoke such impassioned words about their current or former teachers (and support staffers) that we couldn’t help but shed tears of joy for many of them — including the finalists that weren’t from New Tampa’s public schools. So, here are some excerpts from the students speaking on behalf of each of the New Tampa finalists. 

Michael, a Freedom High senior, speaking about the school’s success coach, Antonyia McCray: “With her outgoing personality, her unwavering kindness and dedication to her students, Ms. McCray has become a beacon of hope for anyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She has a unique ability to connect with individuals from all walks of life. Her vibrant personality creates an atmosphere of positivity and warmth, which helps even the most hesitant of students achieve their childhood aspirations. 

Tampa Palms Elementary principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters, with TPE 3rd grader Ethan. 

“Ms. McCray always make sure that no student feels left behind. She is a trusted figure that students feel comfortable turning to for guidance. She understands that every individual faces unique challenges. She is much more than just a success coach. She is an amazing mom, mentor, second mom and wife and I love her so much.” 

Ethan, a third grader at Tampa Palms Elementary, speaking about principal’s secretary Bonnie Walters: “I have the honor to speak about someone who is truly the heartbeat of our school, Ms. Bonnie. Every morning, Ms. Bonnie greets me with kindness and a smile, no matter how busy she is. I have known Ms. Bonnie my entire life because my mom is a teacher at Tampa Palms. 

“Even after all these years, I still get excited to see her every single day. Our school is truly blessed to have her. Every school should be lucky enough to have someone like Ms. Bonnie. Parents, students, teachers and staff all know they can count on her. No matter what we need, she’s always there with a smile and a helping hand. When my mom told me Ms. Bonnie was nominated for this award, I was so happy because now everyone can see that Ms. Bonnie is one of a kind and we are so fortunate to have her at Tampa Palms! Thank you!” 

Hunter’s Green Elementary Kindergarten teacher Roxi Coriell may not have been named the Teacher of the Year, but her former student Annabelle made her feel like a winner anyway. 

Annabelle, now a Benito Middle School sixth grader, speaking about her Kindergarten teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary, Roxanne “Roxi” Coriell: “Looking back at your childhood, everyone has that one teacher…the one teacher that influenced you, the one teacher who made you the amazing person you are today. The teacher that makes you smile, laugh and spreads joy. Well, for me, that teacher came along when I was just five years old. That was the year I walked into Kindergarten with Ms. Coriell. I was new to the area and didn’t know anyone. But the minute I walked in through that classroom door, I was immediately happy and not scared anymore. I knew this was going to be the best year ever. She would always make me feel better with her warm smile and her joy. 

“But what I loved most was Ms. Coriell’s kindness. I know I’m lucky. Not everyone gets to meet their special teacher on their first day of school. This is the teacher who made the difference in my life, who inspired me, who is still teaching me. That teacher is Ms. Coriell!” 

Tanya, now an eighth grader at Benito, speaking about her fifth grade teacher at Pride Elementary, Adam Wilinsky: “I’m here to talk about how Mr. Wilinsky has impacted my life. I was taught early, and told often, that teachers are the most important members of society and belong to the most honorable profession. And, Mr. Wilinsky, you were the best example of this. Mr. Wilinsky is more than just a great teacher. [He is] an inspiration. His passion for teaching is infectious. He sparked a love for learning in me and all of my classmates. He makes every lesson come alive with his creativity and enthusiasm. Fifth grade was the most unforgettable year because of him. His patience and understanding created a safe space for me and so many other students to ask questions and take risks. 

Pride Elementary 5th grade Math & Science teacher Adam Wilinsky’s former student Tanya did the same for him. 

“I still remember when Mr. Wilinsky gave me the opportunity to teach the class a lesson about electricity. I was very nervous at the time because talking in front of my classmates was intimidating. But, when Mr. Wilinsky gave me that ‘thumbs up,’ I knew I had nothing to worry about. He showed me the importance of believing in myself, even when that seemed impossible. He helped me boost my confidence and become the person I am today. He taught us more than just facts and figures. He showed me and my classmates the importance of kindness, perseverance and courage. Mr. Wilinsky, thank you for being such a wonderful teacher and an inspiration. You made a difference in my life and I’m so grateful for that. Congratulations!” 

And, even though neither Coriell nor Wilinsky took home the title of 2025 Teacher of the Year for the District, McCray and Walters both got to make their own speeches as the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator and the Instructional Support Employee of the year, respectively: 

McCray: “It is such an honor to be standing here today accepting the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award. This moment is truly humbling and I feel incredibly blessed. I want to take a moment to reflect on what this award means to me personally and what it means to me in the context of my role as Freedom High success coach. 

“First, this award is a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion. As a student success coach, I believe every student deserves the support, encouragement and resources they need to succeed. For me, it’s not just about helping student reach their academic milestones, it’s about creating an environment where they feel valued, heard and seen. I truly believe in the power of education to transform minds and I’m inspired by the idea that, as educators, we have the privilege to guide students on their journeys, helping them grow as individuals with the ability to shape their futures…and to watch them grow and succeed.” 

McCray, who has been at Freedom for her entire eight-year career, first as a math teacher, also thanked her husband, her family and her colleagues — “My Freedom family…Thank you so much for providing me with a platform for me to do this work in an environment that truly values inclusion, equity and student success. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this community and to receive this award, not just as recognition of my work, but as a reminder that we are all contributing to something much bigger than ourselves. Thank you all for this honor and for your continued commitment to diversity in education.” 

In addition to her role as success coach, McCray also serves as a FACE ambassador, Title 1 liaison and SAC chair. She holds a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education and gained international teaching experience through a service-learning program in Ghana, where she worked with children at a local orphanage. 

Walters: “Thank you to Ethan — you’re such a trooper — and to my family, my friends, for coming out here on a school night, and for supporting me. Thank you to Tampa Palms Elementary. I just couldn’t think of being in a better place and, thank you to my administrators, past and present, for all of your support. And, thank you to Mr. Ayres (Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres) and to the Education Foundation and everyone for supporting me. “ 

Walters has dedicated 27 years to Hillsborough County Public Schools, beginning as a one-on-one aide in an ESE classroom before serving as a clinic aide and as a Secretary 1. She has been TPE’s principal’s secretary since 2012 and has won the school’s Support Employee honors multiple times, but this is her first time being a District finalist and award winner. She has coordinated TPE’s HeartFELT program, partnering with a local church to provide food for students in need. She also organizes canned food and clothing drives and the school’s annual Turkey Trot. 

Congratulations to all of New Tampa’s finalists and our two award winners!

New Tampa Schools Have 4 Education Awards Finalists! 

Roxanne Coriell, Adam Wilinsky, Antonyia McCray & Bonnie Walters All Still Vying For Top Honors 

(L.-r.) 2024 Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year Dr. Clayton Nylund of Blake High, Hillsborough Superintendent of Schools Van Ayres, 2025 Teacher of the Year finalist Roxanne (Roxi) Coriell, School Board chair Jessica Vaughn & Hunter’s Green Elementary principal Nicole Libby. (Photo provided by Hillsborough Public Schools) 

 Four representatives of New Tampa’s public schools have been announced as finalists for the 2025 Excellence in Education (EIE) Awards. 

From more than 13,000 teachers in Hillsborough County, one of five finalists will be named Teacher of the Year at the event, which is hosted by the Hillsborough Education Foundation, in partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools, on Thursday, January 23, at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Tampa. 

(Above, l.-r.) Dr. Clayton Nylund, Jessica Vaughn, 2025 Teacher of the Year finalist Adam Wilinsky, Pride Elementary principal Paulette English, and Van Ayres.

Similarly, one of five finalists will be named the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, and one of four finalists will be awarded Instructional Support Employee of the Year honors. 

New Tampa is represented in all three of the categories, including two of the Teacher of the Year finalists. 

Roxanne (Roxi) Coriell, a kindergarten teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary, and Adam Wilinsky, a fifth grade math and science teacher at Pride Elementary, are both finalists for Teacher of the Year. 

In addition, Antonyia McCray, the success coach at Freedom High, is a finalist for Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year. 

And Bonnie Walters, Secretary 4 at Tampa Palms Elementary, is a finalist for Instructional Support Employee of the Year.

TPE secretary 4 Bonnie Walters. 

On December 2, the finalists were visited by the “Surprise Patrol,” made up of representatives from the Hillsborough Education Foundation, Hillsborough County Public Schools and the EIE event sponsors. 

Roxi Coriell was visibly shocked as the Surprise Patrol entered her classroom that Monday morning, the first day back after this year’s Thanksgiving break.“I’m so honored to be the Hunter’s Green Teacher of the Year,” she later said, “and then, every step of the way, has been another complete surprise.” 

HGE principal Nicole Libby says Coriell is an innovator who genuinely deserves the nomination. 

“Mrs. Coriell is an exceptional educator who truly embodies the qualities of a dedicated and impactful teacher,” Libby says. “Her ability to create an engaging, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment sets her apart and makes her incredibly deserving of this recognition.” 

Meanwhile, at Tampa Palms Elementary, principal Angela Gluth says secretary Bonnie Walters, who has worked at the school for 27 years, is the heartbeat of their campus. 

(l.-r.) School Board member Lynn Gray, Antonyia McCray, Freedom principal Kevin Stephenson & School Board Vice Chair Karen Perez

“If she were to win at the District level, it would mean everything to us,” Gluth says. “It would be an opportunity for everyone  to know what we already know about how special and amazing she is. She doesn’t necessarily want the recognition, but I can’t think of a more deserving person.” 

Congratulations to all four of the finalists, as well as to all of the teachers and school staff members who were chosen to represent their respective schools as nominees for this year’s EIE awards. That complete list appears below. 

New Tampa’s 2025 Hillsborough Education Foundation EIE Awards Nominees 

Chiles Elementary 

Teacher of the Year: Felicia Sell, 2nd Grade Teacher 

Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year: Marie Exantus, Varying Exceptionalities (VE) Teacher Instructional Support Employee of the Year: Cristhian Valladares Murillo, Night Crew Leader Custodian 

Clark Elementary 

Teacher: Brittany Long, 5th Grade Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Donna Clark, ESOL Resource Teacher 

Support Employee: Alena Plumb, Secretary 1 

Heritage Elementary 

Teacher: Heather Leitzke, Access Points Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Lauren Sturlaugson, Media Specialist 

Support Employee: Aracely Garcia, Head Custodian 

Hunter’s Green Elementary 

Teacher: *Roxanne Coriell, Kindergarten Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Michelle Lilius, ESOL 

Resource Teacher 

Support Employee: Ivan Vazquez Rico, Custodian 

Pride Elementary 

Teacher: *Adam Wilinsky, 5th Grade Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Christine Goff, School Counselor 

Support Employee: Alexandria DeJoseph, 

Principal’s Secretary 

Tampa Palms Elementary 

Teacher: Elizabeth DaSilva, 3rd Grade Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Lindsay Vizzi, Speech Lang. Pathologist 

Support Employee: *Bonnie Walters, Secretary 4 

Turner-Bartels K-8 School 

Teacher: Elaine Kurtright, Media Specialist 

Ida S. Baker: Marelisa Moreno, ESOL 

Resource Teacher 

Support Employee: Sheila Swain, Bookkeeper 

Benito Middle School 

Teacher: Chris Ellis, English Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Felicia Chalmers, Varying 

Exceptionalities Teacher 

Support Employee: Mili Criswell, Exceptional 

Student Education Paraprof. 2 

Liberty Middle School 

Teacher: Natalia Maritza Sutton, Math Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Dottie Urbanek-Nash, 

School Social Worker 

Support Employee: Angela J. Gonzalez, 

Data Processor 

Freedom High 

Teacher: Barrett Biernacki, Phys. Education Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: *Antonyia McCray, 

Student Success Coach 

Support Employee: Annmarie McLaughlin, 

Principal’s Secretary 4 

Wharton High 

Teacher: Christi Atkinson, Science Teacher 

Ida S. Baker: Amanda Rizzi, Access Teacher 

Support Employee: Ona Miller, Principal’s Secretary