Five Sarasota County Teachers Earn Ripple Effect Award

September 25, 2024 | Sarasota

“I’m not usually speechless, but…,” Kevin Purcell said, trailing off.

Mr. Purcell, a 21-year educator at Heron Creek Middle School, had just been presented with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.  He was one of five Sarasota County Schools teachers who were surprised with the award at their schools on Friday, Sept. 20.

The Ripple Effect Teacher Awards program celebrates teachers in the Sarasota County School District who have made a lasting impact in their classrooms, schools, and beyond.  Twice a year, in partnership with the school district, Barancik Foundation presents Ripple Effect awards to five teachers.  Each recipient, who is nominated by their school principal, receives $5,000 from the Foundation.

“So many of our wonderful teachers go above and beyond in service to their students and their schools,” said Teri A Hansen, president|CEO of Barancik Foundation.  “This award is just one way we can recognize and thank outstanding teachers for the meaningful difference they make for their students, their colleagues, and our community.”

The Fall 2024 Ripple Effect Award winners are:

• Rob Rowe, North Port High School
• Kevin Purcell, Heron Creek Middle School
• Tarra Martello, Brentwood Elementary School
• Julia Tilford, Alta Vista Elementary School
• Edgar Vazquez, Booker High School

“We are honored to celebrate our teachers,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools. “Our Ripple Effect teachers have a tangible, positive impact on the lives of those around them, most notably our students.  We are thankful to Barancik Foundation for their continued support and recognition of our talented educators.”

Throughout the morning of Sept. 20, a group that included the superintendent and other school district leadership as well as members of the Barancik Foundation board and staff visited each school to present the awards.  Superintendent Connor read from the nomination submitted by each winner’s principal, then a Barancik Foundation representative presented them with a framed award certificate and their check.  School administrators, fellow teachers and staff, excited students, and, in some cases, proud family members were in on the surprise and cheered on the honorees.

At Booker High School, math teacher Edgar Vazquez had a response similar to Heron Creek Middle School’s Mr. Purcell.  “I’m usually good with words, but now I’m not,” Mr. Vazquez said.  He quickly found his voice, though, and spoke sincerely about his own journey to teaching, what inspires him to invest in his students, and what he hopes they will learn about their own potential.  He credited many others, including the school district and Booker High School principal Dr. Rachel Shelley, for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to teach math to the next generation in Sarasota.

The Ripple Effect Teacher Awards were created in 2021 in memory of Margie and Chuck Barancik.  Margie was a teacher herself, and both were passionate advocates for Sarasota’s educators and students.  Barancik Foundation presents the awards in September and May to commemorate the respective birthdays of Margie (September 29) and Chuck (May 27).  The award’s name recalls something Margie memorably said about the couple’s philanthropy: “We can’t change the world, but we can change little pieces of it and hope for a ripple effect.”  To date, Barancik Foundation has recognized 40 Sarasota County Schools educators with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award.

What They’re Saying

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

“More often than not, when I dig deeply into the support systems of athletes who have made a positive turn-around, Rob’s name appears, and I never would have known.”

— North Port High School principal Shannon Fusco, on physical education teacher and coach Rob Rowe

“Mr. Purcell has been a vital part of the Heron Creek family for 21 years.  He embraces his role as an opportunity to make a generational impact on students and families.”

— Heron Creek Middle School principal Kristine Lawrence, on behavior coach Kevin Purcell

“The effort and care that Mrs. Martello puts into everything she does has affected thousands of people in her career.  Our Brentwood community would not be the same without her positive impact.”

— Brentwood Elementary School principal Holly Brody, on teacher Tarra Martello

“Julia Tilford is not just an extraordinary music teacher; she also sparks and grows a passion for music and a love of school for our most at-risk students.”

— Alta Vista Elementary School principal Mindy Long, on music teacher Julia Tilford

“Edgar Vazquez makes it his mission to ensure that his students feel safe, valued, loved, and able.  The passion and commitment he has for his job and students will create ripple effects that are felt for generations to come.”

— Booker High School principal Dr. Rachel Shelley, on math teacher Edgar Vazquez