Five outstanding Sarasota County Schools educators were recognized last week with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award for their expansive impact in the classroom and beyond.
Leaders from the school district and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation honored the winners in a series of surprise presentations at their schools. Created by Barancik Foundation in memory of Chuck and Margie Barancik to celebrate exceptional Sarasota County public-school teachers, the Ripple Effect Award includes a $5,000 gift.
The five Sarasota County Schools teachers who received the award are:
Stacy Bellanca, Literacy Teacher, Garden Elementary School
Carrie Koontz, 2nd Grade Teacher, Taylor Ranch Elementary School
Jillian Nelson, ESE Resource Teacher, Sarasota Middle School
Brittany Smith, Music Teacher, Venice High School
Shannon Wynne, 5th Grade Teacher, Pine View School
“Teachers are one of the most crucial elements in a child’s educational journey,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools. “It is a privilege to highlight the most recent Ripple Effect awardees. Their dedication to their students, families, colleagues, and overall school communities is inspiring.”
At each award presentation, Superintendent Connor read from the nomination letter submitted by the winning teacher’s principal. The celebrations included district and school administrators, fellow teachers and staff, and enthusiastic students. Barancik Foundation senior vice president John Annis described the affection and respect that Chuck and Margie Barancik had for teachers before he handed the winners a framed award certificate and their $5,000 check.
“This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Annis. “Margie and Chuck knew that, outside of family, teachers are the people who have the greatest influence on a student’s future success. This award is just one way that we try to show our beloved educators how much they mean to our community.”
The latest Ripple Effect Teacher Awards were presented in May to commemorate Chuck Barancik’s birthday, which was May 27. The Foundation will present five more awards in September in memory of Margie Barancik, who was a teacher by profession. Nominations are submitted annually by school principals at the invitation of school district leadership and the Foundation. Since 2021, Barancik Foundation has recognized 35 educators with the Ripple Effect Award.