Teachers creating ‘Ripple Effect’

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

Each award, which recognizes educators for their impact on students, schools, and community, included a $5,000 check from the Barancik Foundation. The Ripple Effect Teacher Awards program honors the chosen profession of Margery Barancik, a lifelong supporter of education.

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

· 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 an award presentation by school district leadership, Barancik Foundation staff, colleagues, and 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 and CEO Teri Hansen and senior vice president John Annis.

“Margie Barancik understood the positive ripple effect that great teachers have throughout the lives of their students,” Hansen said “Our community is immeasurably better because of their dedication, professionalism, and hard work.”

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.

“All of our teachers go above and beyond to support their students,” Connor said. “It is an honor to celebrate them ... 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.”

To date, Barancik Foundation has presented 30 Ripple Effect Teacher Awards.

Kim Hunt, a fifth-grade teacher at Venice Elementary School, “demonstrates her love for her students daily and always takes the extra steps necessary to form lasting bonds,” Principal Kirk Hutchinson said.

Marjie Smith, ESE liaison at Sarasota Middle School, “works closely with students, teachers, and parents [and] brings clarity, understanding, and increased safety throughout our school every day,” Principal Jennifer Nzeza said.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BARANCIK FOUNDATION Robert Whipple teaches math at Triad Alternative School. “He goes above and beyond all expectations as an employee and colleague,” Principal Melanie Ritter said.

Elizabeth Donofrio is a language arts teacher at Venice High School. “She brings an excitement and urgency to learning that is inspiring,” Principal Zoltan Kerestely said.

BJ Ivey is a social studies teacher at Sarasota High School. “I am so incredibly proud of you and the ‘difference maker’ you are," said David Jones, former SHS principal.