Giovanna Odom Nears Retirement After 43 Years in the Classroom - After 43 years in education, including 36 at Hidden Oaks Elementary, fifth-grade teacher Giovanna Odom is preparing for retirement while continuing to inspire students through her love of reading and connection in the classroom. A former Teacher of the Year, Odom has taught generations of families, including the children of her former students. Her students say her read-aloud style helps them better understand stories and keeps them engaged. “It helps get a picture in your mind,” said fifth grader Camille Flowers. “Out loud, it helps a lot more,” added classmate Annabelle Dettman. Odom says the most rewarding part of her career is knowing the lessons she’s shared will stay with her students long after they leave her classroom.
Honoring History, Shaping Leaders at JSMAL - At Joseph Stilwell Military Academy of Leadership, discipline starts at dawn, but one recent leadership class shifted focus from routine to legacy. As part of Black History Month, students in Dewayne Howard’s classroom studied the life of Jesse L. Brown—the first African American naval aviator—exploring the barriers he broke and the courage he displayed in combat during the Korean War. “A lot of these kids probably don’t know about Jesse Brown,” said Howard. “It makes me feel good to teach them about people of color, to help them learn about their own race and history.” Seventh grader Jahri Raines said the class discussions helped him reflect on sacrifice and leadership, adding, “They risked their life for us and their families.” A military veteran himself, Howard has spent eight years helping students grow as leaders and says the greatest reward comes when former students return to thank him. For cadets at JSMAL, the story of Jesse L. Brown is more than history—it’s a reminder that leadership and courage go hand in hand.
Brenda Harwood Sparks Engagement at Frank H. Peterson - English I teacher Brenda Harwood is creating a dynamic learning environment at Frank H. Peterson by combining hands-on activities, student voice, and real-world content. In her third year at the school, she encourages participation through interactive methods—like tossing a ball to keep discussions moving—and models every assignment she gives. “Any way I can engage them—taking part in the activity itself—it’s wildly important when I’m teaching,” Harwood said. Focused on helping students think critically and connect lessons to their lives, she’s building more than academic skills—she’s shaping thoughtful, future-ready citizens.
More Than Clean - At Pickett Elementary, Lead Custodian Francina Mueller sees her role as more than maintaining a clean campus—it’s about instilling pride in students and creating a welcoming environment. With 19 years in Duval County Public Schools and the last year and a half at Pickett, she’s built lasting connections with students by showing them that their school is a reflection of themselves. “You keep your school clean because you never know who’s coming in to see it,” Mueller said. Nominated three times for Employee of the Year, she says the real reward is seeing students take ownership of their space and knowing that a fresh, cared-for atmosphere can brighten even the toughest days.
Career Dreams Start Here - At Oceanway Middle School, students are exploring new career paths through the support of 5000 Role Models, Generation WOW, and the STE2AM2 Club. Over the past two years, these programs have brought in speakers from a wide range of fields—including the mayor, an ambassador, CEOs, athletes, engineers, and first responders—to share their journeys and inspire students. Behind the scenes, staff members like Mr. Lee, Ms. Jones, Ms. Amos, Mr. Sori, Mr. Monroe, Ms. Herbert, and Ms. Conarton have worked to make these opportunities possible. For Oceanway Middle, preparing students for the future is more than a goal—it’s a movement.
