SOUTHSIDE SISTER SHOUTOUT – This extra-special Team Duval Shoutout goes to Kizzie Griffin at Southside Estates Elementary from her sister! A passionate 3rd grade teacher, she works to ensure that each student is prepared not only for the next grade level, but for life itself. “She is the type of teacher every parent hopes their child will have, and the type of person who truly makes a difference in the world. I am beyond proud to call her my sister, and I know the lives she touches today will carry her lessons and love with them forever.” Mrs. Griffin, know that your impact is felt both by your students as well as your community!
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE TABLES - May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and schools across Team Duval are helping students and families connect with valuable resources and support. Through weekly Mental Health Resource Tables led by school counselors, social workers, and Full-Service Schools counselors, students are learning about wellness, building awareness, and discovering the many support services available both in school and throughout the community. Thank you to the dedicated staff members working every day to support the mental health and well-being of our students and families!
TEACHER TOUCHES HEARTS – Congratulations to Ms. Macon, a 5th grade teacher from Beauclerc Elementary, for earning today’s Team Duval Shoutout! She is being recognized for her impact in and out of the classroom. Says one parent: “Ms. Macon made the effort to attend and support a few of Malcom’s soccer games, cheering him on and expressing how proud she is of his dedication. At that moment, he realized that Ms. Macon is not only just a teacher, but that she always has his best interest at heart. We will truly miss Ms. Macon as he starts his new journey to middle school and will always remember the impact she has made in his life.” Ms. Macon, we could not be prouder of the connection you have made with your students!
CELEBRATING A HERO – At the May School Board meeting, we recognized Westside High School senior and Air Force Junior ROTC cadet Angel Williams for his heroic actions following a serious car accident on December 30th. After witnessing a collision near 103rd Street, he immediately rushed to assist, ultimately breaking a window to safely remove a victim. He then provided comfort and reassurance until first responders arrived. For his quick thinking, courage, and selfless response in a critical moment, Angel Williams was presented with a Superintendent’s Coin of Excellence.
SCHOOL STORE SHOWS SPIRIT - Let’s give a big Team Duval Shoutout to Ms. Hartley from Crown Point Elementary! Her love for students is reflected in her thoughtful curation of the Panther Store, with an entire classroom filled with a plethora of incentives which can be exchanged for tickets. With stuffed animals, board games, books, art kits, puzzles, and so much more, Ms. Hartley caters to over 700 students every single month and manages to keep the store continuously stocked. Thank you, Ms. Hartley, for the hard work and dedication it took to make the store a success!
NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS – At the May School Board meeting, we celebrated an exceptional group of students named National Merit Scholarship Finalists—an honor earned by only about 1.15 percent of the more than 1.3 million students who entered the program nationwide.
These students demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and met rigorous criteria, including high PSAT performance and endorsement from school leadership.
This year’s finalists represent five Team Duval schools: Fletcher High School, Mandarin High School, Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies, and Stanton College Preparatory School.
Congratulations to these remarkable students for earning one of the nation’s most prestigious academic distinctions.
These students demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and met rigorous criteria, including high PSAT performance and endorsement from school leadership.
This year’s finalists represent five Team Duval schools: Fletcher High School, Mandarin High School, Paxon School for Advanced Studies, Samuel Wolfson School for Advanced Studies, and Stanton College Preparatory School.
Congratulations to these remarkable students for earning one of the nation’s most prestigious academic distinctions.
RIVERSIDE HIGH EXPECTATIONS – We’d like to give a shoutout to the School Counseling department at Riverside High for their recent event for high school seniors. Working with community partners, they helped students complete FSCJ, military, and financial aid applications. As a result, they boosted post-secondary plans to 80%, scholarships to $6+ million, and Bright Futures to 78%! They are a shining example of how to prepare students for success after high school.
STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS – At the May School Board meeting, we recognized a group of Team Duval seniors who earned more than $50,000 in scholarships through partnerships with the district’s Nutrition Program, Chartwells K12, and Thompson Hospitality.
Through the Nutrition Program Scholarship, 10 seniors each received a one-time $5,000 award to support their post-secondary education at colleges, universities, and technical or trade schools, while two students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities received meal plan scholarships from Thompson Hospitality.
Applicants were selected based on essays promoting healthy eating habits, increasing participation in school nutrition programs, and sharing their future goals and aspirations.
Congratulations to these outstanding students for their achievements and to our partners for investing in their success.
Through the Nutrition Program Scholarship, 10 seniors each received a one-time $5,000 award to support their post-secondary education at colleges, universities, and technical or trade schools, while two students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities received meal plan scholarships from Thompson Hospitality.
Applicants were selected based on essays promoting healthy eating habits, increasing participation in school nutrition programs, and sharing their future goals and aspirations.
Congratulations to these outstanding students for their achievements and to our partners for investing in their success.
THRIVE SCHOLARS HONORED - At the May School Board meeting, we celebrated an inspiring group of students selected as Thrive Scholars, recognized for their hard work, dedication, and drive.
Thrive Scholars is a comprehensive program that supports high-achieving, low-income students of color with rigorous academic instruction, college admissions guidance, mentoring, and continued support from high school through college and into their careers. Through more than 350 hours of college-level learning and personalized support, the program is designed to help Scholars achieve lifelong economic mobility and financial security.
Congratulations to this outstanding cohort as they take the next steps toward becoming our community’s future leaders.
Thrive Scholars is a comprehensive program that supports high-achieving, low-income students of color with rigorous academic instruction, college admissions guidance, mentoring, and continued support from high school through college and into their careers. Through more than 350 hours of college-level learning and personalized support, the program is designed to help Scholars achieve lifelong economic mobility and financial security.
Congratulations to this outstanding cohort as they take the next steps toward becoming our community’s future leaders.
CINDY EDELMAN FELLOWS - At the May School Board meeting, we were proud to celebrate the newest cohort of Cindy Edelman Excellence in Teaching Fellows, who receive funding for innovative and non-traditional professional learning opportunities.
This year’s fellows will pursue projects spanning literacy, science, environmental learning, and instructional practices, including international study to support multilingual learners, the creation of outdoor agriscience learning environments, hands-on exploration of volcanic and geologic activity, and advanced training to strengthen classroom instruction.
The fellowship is administered by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund and supported by a permanent fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Congratulations to this outstanding group of educators for their commitment to growing their practice and enriching learning experiences for students.
This year’s fellows will pursue projects spanning literacy, science, environmental learning, and instructional practices, including international study to support multilingual learners, the creation of outdoor agriscience learning environments, hands-on exploration of volcanic and geologic activity, and advanced training to strengthen classroom instruction.
The fellowship is administered by the Jacksonville Public Education Fund and supported by a permanent fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. Congratulations to this outstanding group of educators for their commitment to growing their practice and enriching learning experiences for students.
MENTAL HEALTH PSA WINNERS - Team Duval students used their voices and creativity to amplify the message of Mental Health Awareness Month through a districtwide PSA contest centered on the theme “Mindful...NOT Mind Full,” and were honored at the May School Board meeting. High school students submitted 60–90 second recordings that were evaluated on creativity, originality, technique, and overall impact.
Congratulations to our winners: first place, Atlantic Coast High School student Sena Monteith (represented by Principal Dr. Michael George); second place, Paxon students Stephen Akita, Erly Cherizar, Wyatt Miller, and Michael Spohn; and third place, Paxon students Darryl Lamar, Jasmine McGee, Emily Montelongo, and Natasha Seerattan.
We are proud of these students for creating powerful messages that inform, inspire, and resonate with our community.
Congratulations to our winners: first place, Atlantic Coast High School student Sena Monteith (represented by Principal Dr. Michael George); second place, Paxon students Stephen Akita, Erly Cherizar, Wyatt Miller, and Michael Spohn; and third place, Paxon students Darryl Lamar, Jasmine McGee, Emily Montelongo, and Natasha Seerattan.
We are proud of these students for creating powerful messages that inform, inspire, and resonate with our community.
CLASSROOM CONNECTION CREATES CONFIDENCE - Mrs. Durheim at Greenfield Elementary receives today’s Team Duval Shoutout for the care and intentionality she showed in helping a student feel confident wearing his new glasses. After noticing his hesitation, Mrs. Durheim wore her own glasses to school to model that glasses are not only okay, but cool and “impressive.” Her simple yet powerful gesture helped her student feel special and excited, and he went home eager to wear his glasses with pride. Mrs. Durheim’s ability to build classroom community and nurture student confidence exemplifies the heart of a strong kindergarten classroom. Thank you, Mrs. Durheim, for seeing every student and helping them shine!
PARENTS WHO LEAD - At the April School Board meeting, we recognized an inspiring group of parent leaders who completed a 20-week leadership program through Parents Who Lead, a partnership with the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, Kids Hope Alliance, and Jacksonville Public Library. Participants developed projects supporting student success in areas such as mental health, tutoring, family engagement, and community safety. They now join a growing network of advocates making a meaningful impact across Team Duval. We commend their dedication and invite the community to join us in celebrating their commitment to strengthening our schools and communities.
BUS DRIVER APPRECIATION – This shoutout honors Ms. Denise, the driver of Bus 862, in recognition of School Bus Driver Appreciation Day on April 28. Parent Rebekah Hutto shares that for the past five years—first at LaVilla and now at Douglas Anderson—Ms. Denise has been a trusted and caring presence in her daughter’s life, giving her peace of mind every single day. Rebekah shares that she never worries about her daughter’s safety, knowing Ms. Denise is attentive, protective, and always looking out for her students. Beyond the ride home, she goes the extra mile—showing up to plays, offering a listening ear after tough days, and making sure bus stop rules are followed to keep everyone safe. Thank you, Ms. Denise, for the care, consistency, and heart you bring to Team Duval!
STUDENTS OF THE YEAR - Congratulations to our Boys & Girls Club Students of the Year! At the April School Board meeting, we were proud to recognize two outstanding Team Duval students honored by the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida: Ty’ Son Jones – Middle School Student of the Year (James Weldon Johnson CPMS) (unable to attend). And Dajdriana Brooks – High School Student of the Year (Edward H. White High School). This prestigious recognition highlights leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to healthy lifestyles. Dajdriana will advance to compete for Florida Youth of the Year this April. We invite the community to join us in celebrating these students and their achievements.
MATH MADNESS – Today’s shoutout goes to Gregory Drive Elementary for its interactive, math-themed March Madness night held for the community. Students and families participated in a series of math activities, including arcade basketball in the Z Cafetorium. The night wrapped up with dinner, as well as take-home activities so students could continue to strengthen their understanding at home. Here’s to the mathletes at Gregory Elementary, you rock!
MEN'S COOK-OFF - Congratulations to our 2026 Team Duval Men’s Cook-Off winner! At the April School Board meeting, we highlighted a successful and meaningful event supporting the United Way of Northeast Florida. Thanks to Team Duval, this year’s cook-off raised more than $600, contributing to over $15,000 raised districtwide. Our Back-to-Back Supreme Chef and winner: Evan Daniels, Director of GEAR UP (pictured third from right), who successfully defended his title and raised more than $200 individually. Through our partnership with United Way, we continue to support families through Full-Service Schools and create opportunities for student success. We thank everyone who contributed to the success of this event and congratulate all participants.
CLASSROOM CARING -- During the Month of the Military Child, we wanted to give a shout-out to Mrs. Mathis from Anchor Academy! Confident in each lesson she teaches, Mrs. Mathis ensures each student is ready and takes extra time and effort to make her class engaging, interesting, and fun. She has also been an incredible resource for the students of military families, being part of one herself. This Team Duval Shoutout was sent in by Emily Macias, a classroom parent, so Mrs. Mathis, know that you make a big difference inside and outside the classroom!
YOUTH SUMMIT WINNERS - Congratulations to our MedWeek Youth Entrepreneur Summit winners
At the April School Board meeting, we recognized Team Duval students who demonstrated innovation and business skills in the MED Week Youth Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, hosted by the First Coast Business Alliance. The winners are:
Roy Harvison Jr. – William M. Raines High School .
Eva Dalton, Joseph Bernier, Payton Eadie, Hailey Etchison, Sani'yah Johnson, Harmonie Keith, Jada King, Jashari Lewis, Trenton Stafford, Mya Thompson, Angelina White – Asa Philip Randolph
Makiah Scott – Westside High School
We encourage the community to join us in celebrating these talented young entrepreneurs and their promising futures.
At the April School Board meeting, we recognized Team Duval students who demonstrated innovation and business skills in the MED Week Youth Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, hosted by the First Coast Business Alliance. The winners are:
Roy Harvison Jr. – William M. Raines High School .
Eva Dalton, Joseph Bernier, Payton Eadie, Hailey Etchison, Sani'yah Johnson, Harmonie Keith, Jada King, Jashari Lewis, Trenton Stafford, Mya Thompson, Angelina White – Asa Philip Randolph
Makiah Scott – Westside High School
We encourage the community to join us in celebrating these talented young entrepreneurs and their promising futures.
DUVAL TEEN HONORED – This Team Duval Shoutout goes to Jordan Sanders, a junior at Raines High School. During March, Jordan proudly represented his district at the Leadership Conference for Top Teens of America in Nashville, Tennessee. Serving as Mr. Top Teen of America for the Duval Chapter, he partook in an enriching experience centered on leadership, community service, and personal development. Shout out to Jordan for exemplifying what it means to be a Duval student, inside and out!
