Five Sarasota County Schools Educators Honored

May 29, 2024 | Sarasota

Five outstanding Sarasota County Schools educators were recognized last week with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award for their expansive impact in the classroom and beyond.

Leaders from the school district and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation honored the winners in a series of surprise presentations at their schools.  Created by Barancik Foundation in memory of Chuck and Margie Barancik to celebrate exceptional Sarasota County public-school teachers, the Ripple Effect Award includes a $5,000 gift.

The five Sarasota County Schools teachers who received the award are:

• Stacy Bellanca, Literacy Teacher, Garden Elementary School
• Carrie Koontz, 2nd Grade Teacher, Taylor Ranch Elementary School
• Jillian Nelson, ESE Resource Teacher, Sarasota Middle School
• Brittany Smith, Music Teacher, Venice High School
• Shannon Wynne, 5th Grade Teacher, Pine View School

“Teachers are one of the most crucial elements in a child’s educational journey,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools.  “It is a privilege to highlight the most recent Ripple Effect awardees.  Their dedication to their students, families, colleagues, and overall school communities is inspiring.”

At each award presentation, Superintendent Connor read from the nomination letter submitted by the winning teacher’s principal.  The celebrations included district and school administrators, fellow teachers and staff, and enthusiastic students.  Barancik Foundation senior vice president John Annis described the affection and respect that Chuck and Margie Barancik had for teachers before he handed the winners a framed award certificate and their $5,000 check.

“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Annis.  “Margie and Chuck knew that, outside of family, teachers are the people who have the greatest influence on a student’s future success.  This award is just one way that we try to show our beloved educators how much they mean to our community.”

The latest Ripple Effect Teacher Awards were presented in May to commemorate Chuck Barancik’s birthday, which was May 27.  The Foundation will present five more awards in September in memory of Margie Barancik, who was a teacher by profession.  Nominations are submitted annually by school principals at the invitation of school district leadership and the Foundation.  Since 2021, Barancik Foundation has recognized 35 educators with the Ripple Effect Award.

What They’re Saying

The following are excerpts from nominations submitted by each winner’s principal:

“Stacy Bellanca embodies the qualities of an exceptional educator, including empathy, creativity, and leadership.  Her impact resonates far beyond the walls of the classroom.”

Principal Amy Archer, Garden Elementary School, on literacy teacher and coach Stacy Bellanca

“Mrs. Koontz commits to making her students active participants in their education inside and outside the classroom.  Her students excel academically and grow as citizens of our school and the Venice community.”
Principal Tara Spielman, Taylor Ranch Elementary School, on 2nd grade teacher Carrie Koontz

“Jillian works hard to instill in her students a sense of accomplishment and pride.  Students have come to see her as a true advocate and know she is someone they can trust.”

Principal Jennifer Nzeza, Sarasota Middle School, on ESE resource teacher Jillian Nelson

“Mrs. Smith encourages students to make ‘loud mistakes,’ because anything that is new and worth learning will result in failure.  Being able to fail in a safe place and then grow and exceed their own expectations is what teaching is all about in her classroom.”

Principal Zoltan Kerestely, Venice High School, on music teacher and choir director Brittany Smith

“Mrs. Wynne is a truly remarkable educator whose positive impact is felt schoolwide.  She has not only impacted 5th graders, but has literally changed the early morning dynamic on campus.”
Principal Dr. Stephen Covert, Pine View School, on 5th grade teacher Shannon Wynne