Barancik Foundation Names Five Teachers as Ripple Effect Award Winners

September 29, 2021 – Sarasota

There’s a reason everyone remembers their favorite teacher. Outside of family, teachers have the greatest influence on a child’s development and future success—they can make all the difference in the world. Recently, five Sarasota County teachers were recognized by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation for doing just that. 

In partnership with Sarasota County Schools, Barancik Foundation named five winners of its Ripple Effect Teacher Awards on Tuesday, September 28^th. The semi-annual prize acknowledges five outstanding teachers on Chuck Barancik’s birthday in May and five on Margie Barancik’s birthday in September. Each teacher recognized for their impact on lives in and outside classrooms are awarded $5,000 to spend on professional development experiences, material and equipment for their classrooms. 

Margie’s fall semester awardees are:

• Christine Dapra of Venice Elementary
• Deb Hogue of North Port High
• Taleisa Schlemmer of Gocio Elementary
• Tina Slattery of Phillippi Shores Elementary
• Brian Upholz of Triad

A surprise to the teachers, each winner was recognized by the superintendent, their principal, and members of the School District during a special ceremony at their schools. The recipients were commended for their innovative efforts in building positive cultural changes at their schools—among both their students as well as their peers. All were quoted for having an impact that would reverberate through the lives of those they encountered. 

“This is our small way of celebrating the ones who are having a real impact on their campus and remembering our founders, Chuck and Margie,” says Teri A Hansen, President|CEO of Barancik Foundation. 

The award was inspired by the late Barancik couple’s philosophy on their charitable giving, often quoting, “We can’t change the world, but we can change little pieces of it and hope for a ripple effect.” 

The winners were selected out of 54 candidates. Facilitated by the School District, each Sarasota County principal nominated one teacher to be considered for the award. A committee made up of community leaders then identified the top candidates. 

“These awardees are truly on the cutting-edge of educational pedagogy, providing unparalleled academic environments for their students,” noted Dr. Brennan Asplen, Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools. “Our educators continue to embody the resilient spirit of our school communities and we are so proud of them!”

Barancik Foundation has made an ongoing commitment to award the 10 $5,000 teacher grants each year.