Barancik Foundation Presents Five Teachers with Ripple Effect Award

September 29, 2023 – Sarasota

Five Sarasota County educators were recently named 2023 Ripple Effect Teacher Award winners by Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation and Sarasota County Schools.

Each award, which recognizes educators for their impact on their students, schools, and community, came with a $5,000 check for the teacher from Barancik Foundation.  The Ripple Effect Teacher Awards program honors the chosen profession of Margery Barancik, co-founder of the foundation that bears her name, who was a teacher and lifelong supporter of education.

Barancik Foundation presents the Ripple Effect Teacher Award to five educators twice a year, in September and May, to mark the respective birthdays of Margie and Chuck Barancik.  The recipients of the fall 2023 Ripple Effect Teacher Award were:

• Elizabeth Donofrio, Venice High School
• Kim Hunt, Venice Elementary School
• BJ Ivey, Sarasota High School
• Marjie Smith, Sarasota Middle School
• Robert Whipple, Triad Alternative School

Each winner was surprised at their school with the award presentation by school district executive leadership, Barancik Foundation staff, school colleagues, and appreciative students.  Superintendent Terry Connor read the nomination letter submitted by each winner’s principal, while award certificates and checks were presented by Barancik Foundation President/CEO Teri A Hansen and Senior Vice President John Annis.

“Margie Barancik understood the positive ripple effect that great teachers have throughout the lives of their students,” said Hansen.  “These Ripple Effect Award winners deserve to be recognized and thanked.  Our community is immeasurably better because of their dedication, professionalism, and hard work.”

“All of our teachers go above and beyond to support their students,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools.  “It is an honor to celebrate them, especially our latest Ripple Effect Award winners.  Their impact is undeniable and reflected in the lives of every student they teach.  We are grateful that these teachers are a part of our Sarasota County Schools family.”

The Ripple Effect Teacher Award program was launched in 2021 and invites Sarasota County School District principals to nominate one educator from their school who sets the bar for innovation and creates lasting impacts on their students and peers.  To date, Barancik Foundation has presented 30 Ripple Effect Teacher Awards.

What else they’re saying:

“She brings an excitement and urgency to learning that is inspiring.  She consistently attempts to raise the bar not only for her students but also for her fellow teachers.”

—Zoltan Kerestely, Principal, Venice High School, recognizing language arts teacher Elizabeth Donofrio

“She demonstrates her love for her students daily and always takes the extra steps necessary to form lasting bonds.  She does everything with a servant’s heart, without a desire for recognition, and with an everlasting belief in putting others first.”

—Dr. Kirk Hutchinson, Principal, Venice Elementary School, recognizing fifth grade teacher Kim Hunt

“I am so incredibly proud of you and the ‘difference maker’ you are.  That’s my favorite moniker to use for educators…and you are a ‘difference maker’ of ‘difference makers.’”

—David Jones, former Principal, Sarasota High School, recognizing social studies teacher BJ Ivey

“He goes above and beyond all expectations as an employee and colleague.  He has a unique classroom set-up, exceptional classroom management, and is always at his door greeting and encouraging his students.”

—Melanie Ritter, Principal, Triad Alternative School, recognizing math teacher Robert Whipple

“She works closely with students, teachers, and parents—all of whom see her as a well-versed, thorough, and responsive advocate and mentor.  She brings clarity, understanding, and increased safety throughout our school every day.”

—Jennifer Nzeza, Principal, Sarasota Middle School, recognizing ESE liaison Marjie Smith