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!

SOAR Co-Working In Tampa Palms — New Location Has Affordable Spaces & Perks! 

If you’re looking to rent a new office that allows you to host occasional meetings in a full-sized conference room — without the expense of a long-term office lease — you should definitely visit SOAR Co-Working in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. (Photos by Charmaine George) 

If you’ve outgrown working from home or miss the camaraderie of being in an office with other people, SOAR Co-Working offers not only affordable workspaces for small businesses and remote employees, but a sense of community, too. 

SOAR Co-Working, located in the Tampa Palms Professional Center near I-75, just off of the Bruce B. Downs Blvd. exit, brings workers together in an environment that provides many of the benefits of working in a traditional office, but at a much lower cost, and with some unexpected advantages. 

“It’s a quiet, professional, serene space and has a beautiful deck that looks out over Primrose Lake,” says Tampa Palms Professional Center partner Gar Urette. “SOAR is about 4,500 square feet and is probably our premier space in the whole place,” which has a total of 140,000-sq.-ft. of mixed-use office space in 26 buildings. 

While many think of the co-working model as shared space where people drop in as needed – and SOAR does offer that option – Gar says this location has turned out to be much more popular for people who want to rent an exclusive space on a monthly basis. 

Marketing manager Amber Peterson is happy to show you everything that SOAR Co-Working has to offer, including private cubicles (above), the lakeside outdoor break area (below right) & even the available private offices (below left).

Clients can choose a private office with a door, a cubicle with locking filing cabinets and even a shared “hot space” (with an array of smaller cubicles). The private spaces can be personalized by the tenants for as long as they are leased, which could be for as little as a month or as long as a year, and those leases can be renewed. 

That flexibility has created a comfortable office dynamic among people who go to work every day in the same office, grab coffee in the break room together, and ask about each other’s families, while working for different companies and organizations. 

“It’s designed for people who want to get out of the house,” says Gar. “as well as for those who get tired of staring at the same four walls working from home and want a sense of community, or for those who have a road job and need someplace to sit and work or conduct meetings with clients, and don’t want to be meeting in their living room or at a Starbucks.” 

For Jacey Feiler, an executive assistant for a marketing firm called Grow Nearby, coming to work every day at SOAR has been ideal. With a global team supporting the marketing firm’s operations, Grow Nearby’s U.S. team works out of SOAR. 

“It’s way more affordable than renting an entire building,” Jacey says. “There are amenities we don’t have to pay for, like coffee and snacks, a beautiful deck outside, a free printing station, mailboxes, utilities and high-speed internet. All we have to worry about one small monthly payment and everything gets taken care of.” 

Tampa Palms Professional Center marketing manager Amber Peterson oversees the co-working space. Jacey says that Amber goes above and beyond to ensure a positive environment. 

Amber plans events to build community among the co-workers at SOAR, such as a pizza night or inviting everyone to share their favorite cookies for National Cookie Day. 

“I feel like we’ve fostered a sense of community here,” Amber says. “I’m working hard to make sure everyone’s comfortable talking with me about issues or requests that come up. We can talk on a professional level, and I like connecting and getting to know people, too.” 

There are currently three private offices with windows that overlook the lake, with two more to be added soon. There also are 18 large cubicles referred to as “dedicated desks,” as well as the shared “hot space” for eight more people on a first-come, first-served basis. 

There also are two meeting rooms available by reservation, a break room with coffee and tea, bathrooms and the wraparound deck outside, which Amber says is great for taking a phone call or for eating lunch. 

“Every membership has mail included with a business address at our space,” Amber adds, “and even our lowest tier includes use of the conference room for a couple of hours a month.” 

She says clients love that the month-to-month commitment isn’t a long-term obligation. 

But, in the few months since Aug. 1, when SOAR moved into the Tampa Palms Professional Center, Amber says, “We haven’t had anyone leave.” 

Prior to the move, SOAR Co-Working had been located just down the road on Commerce Park Blvd., across from Freedom High. When that lease expired and the building’s owner didn’t allow SOAR to renew, SOAR’s founder and former owner retired. Instead of closing, SOAR moved into and became managed by the Professional Center. 

It was a move that made sense. The Professional Center previously offered only larger spaces and longer-duration leases, with a minimum of a one-year rental. 

“We used to have a symbiotic relationship, where if someone only needed a space for a couple of months, we’d send them to SOAR,” explains Gar, “and if someone at SOAR was growing and needed more space, they would send them to us.” 

He adds that his team was already experienced at moving people around Tampa Palms Professional Center, upscaling and downscaling clients as needed, but couldn’t accommodate a part-time desk or monthly lease. That flexibility is available now. 

And, of course, as SOAR co-workers’ businesses grow, if they need their own space, they can move seamlessly into the office park. 

“I don’t know of any other coworking facility that is able to do that,” Gar says. 

While Jacey says the dynamic is friendly and community-focused, it’s also respectful. “Seeing everyone being super passionate about what they do makes me want to work harder,” she says. “We all kind of feed off each other’s productivity.” 

She adds that she feels lucky to work in a place where she likes to come to work every day. 

And, Amber sees the dynamic in the space every day and wants to keep it that way. 

“It’s so much like working in a traditional office,” she says, “but with people working for different companies. Sometimes I walk in and see people from three or four different businesses laughing in one person’s cubicle. It’s very uplifting.” 

SOAR Co-Working is located at 17425 Bridge Hill Ct., Suite 100, in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. For more info, visit SOARCo-Working.com or call (813) 498-1932.

New Tampa’s Winn-Dixie To Become Another Aldi

As previously announced, the last remaining New Tampa Winn-Dixie supermarket, located at 6425 County Line Rd. (in the same plaza as LA Fitness), closed on Dec. 8 and is in the process of being converted to the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area’s third ALDI grocery store. 

We were told that it would be several months before the new ALDI would open, but this Germany-based international brand already has nearly 2,500 U.S. supermarkets and more than 200 stores in Florida, including at 18002 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. in New Tampa and at 2215 Sun Vista Dr. in Lutz (in front of Costco). 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the still-open (at least at our press time) Winn-Dixie in the Towne Center of Wesley Chapel plaza on Wesley Chapel Blvd. told us there are no plans to close that store. — GN 

New Tampa’s Holiday Season Includes Two ‘Nutcrackers’ & Much More! 

As a direct-mail newspaper that only hits mailboxes every four weeks, it’s hard for us to publish some stories because they’re already “old” by the time our next issue reaches you. 

For example, by the time this issue reaches you, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa will all be distant memories and the year 2025 will already be in full swing, as even the kids will be back in school the same day this issue is scheduled to reach you. 

Even so, photographer Charmaine George and I attended many of the local holiday-themed events last month — some or even all of which you may have missed — including two different local performances of “The Nutcracker,” the annual New Tampa Christmas tree and Hanukkah menorah lighting events and even the unique second-annual Renaissance-era “Madrigal Dinner” hosted by the Freedom High chorus at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, which isn’t specifically a holiday event, but which was held on December 5 and included an actual delicious dinner for those who attended. 

The two photos above are from the New Tampa Dance Theatre’s “preview” performance on Dec. 7 at the Shops at Wiregrass. Charmaine took these pictures since neither she nor I were available to attend NTDT’s full “Nutcracker” ballet performances at the University of South Florida Dec. 20-22. Charmaine said that the huge crowd of people at the mall was definitely captivated by the ballet. 

I took the three photos above during one of the Tampa City Ballet (TCB)’s three performances of “The Nutcracker” at the New Tampa Performing Arts Center (NTPAC) Dec. 13-15. Not only were the dancers (adults and children) all amazing, the choreography by TCB’s Paula Nunez, as well as the costumes and sets, were all as impressive as you would see at any big-city ballet company performance of Tchaikovsky’s holiday masterpiece. TCB also performed “The Nutcracker” at USF Dec. 7-10. 

I had really hoped to attend Freedom High’s Madrigal Dinner at NTPAC (see the left photo and the photo below) but Charmaine said it was super-fun, with great singing, funny skits and a delicious dinner of chicken parmesan and salad, plus tiramisu for dessert. 

On Dec. 2, the City of Tampa’s New Tampa Recreation Center and Parks & Recreation Department hosted the annual Christmas tree lighting event and parade (photos below) and a nice crowd of around 200 people attended to participate and watch the youth dance performances, enjoy the lighting ceremony and spend a little quality time with Santa Claus himself! 

And finally, on Dec. 26 (the second night of Hanukkah), the New Tampa Rec Center also hosted the second annual Hanukkah menorah lighting event, which featured prayers, songs and a wonderful message delivered by Rabbi Mendy Yarmush of Chabad of Wiregrass, which is now the only Jewish congregation in New Tampa or Wesley Chapel. Both the Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations at the Rec Center were organized in part by District 7 Tampa City Council member Luis Viera.

Freedom High’s Madrigal Dinner
Christmas Tree Lighting Event and Parade
Christmas Tree Lighting Event and Parade
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting
Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

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