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United States Congressman Vern Buchanan honored 20 Manatee County teachers and support staff from Florida’s 16th Congressional District on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Manatee Technical College.
The Congressional Teacher Awards, established by Buchanan in 2014, are given out annually to exceptional educators for their outstanding achievements on behalf of students.
This year’s Manatee County award recipients include:
- Jensina Barnes, Student Support Specialist from Palm View K-8
- Pauline Barnes, Language Arts Teacher from Manatee High School
- W. Shane Baxley, Automotive Collision Technology Instructor from Manatee Technical College
- Amy Bradl, VE Teacher from Willis Elementary School
- Patrice Cairo, Computer Lab Manager from Witt Elementary School
- William Cirone, Wildland Firefighter Instructor from Manatee Technical College
- Joadie Durfee, Fifth Grade Teacher from Harvey Elementary School
- Rennie Finck, Financial Literacy Teacher from Lakewood Ranch High School
- Dr. Katie Fradley, Asst. Principal of Willis Elementary School
- Jennifer Harper, VPK Child Development Associate from Williams Elementary School
- Jennifer Johnson, Cafeteria Manager of Sea Breeze Elementary School
- Kami Lake, School Social Worker from Professional Support Center
- Chelsea McCay, Counselor from Daughtrey Elementary School
- Debra McCarthy, Language Arts Teacher from Lakewood Ranch High School
- Stefanie Minihan, Business Technology Teacher from Braden River High School
- Patricia Pearson, Clerical Assistant/Attendance Clerk from Braden River Middle School
- Katherine Price, Principal of Willis Elementary School
- Jodi Samson, Fourth Grade Teacher from McNeal Elementary School
- Laura Schuyler, School Nurse from Braden River Middle School
- Jessica Spence, First Grade Teacher from McNeal Elementary School
The winners were given a certificate and recognized by Rep. Vern Buchanan in the Congressional Record for their achievements.
