Flagler Schools Teacher and Support Employee of the Year Named
The 2020 Teacher and Support Employee of the Year for Flagler Schools were named during the district’s annual gala celebration at Flagler Auditorium Thursday night. In all, 10 educators and 16 support employees, representing all the district’s schools and departments were on hand for the ceremony.
The 2020 Flagler Schools Support Employee of the Year is Lynn Mellow, office specialist for the district’s Plant Services department. Lynn has worked for Flagler Schools for 26 years, starting at Old Kings Elementary School and then moving to Plant Services, where she’s been for the past 8 years. The Massapequa, New York native was obviously shocked when her name was announced. “Shocked. Total shock. I couldn’t believe it when I heard my name. It’s amazing.” Flagler Schools Superintendent James Tager says “If you talk with anyone in Plant Services, they’ll tell you the same thing. Lynn’s personality brightens up any situation she’s placed and she’s always willing to help out wherever she’s needed.”
The 2020 Flagler Schools Teacher of the Year is Michelle Coolican. She is in her 13th year teaching science at Buddy Taylor Middle School. She’s taught STEM and science classes there, as well as acted as advisor for the after-school STEM Club at BTMS. Michelle is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University and attended Graduate school at the University of Florida.
On being named Teacher of the Year, she says “I work with an amazing administration, with these unbelievably talented students that make my heart happy every day. I just want to say thank you.” Adds Superintendent Tager, “Michelle has the task of teaching science to middle school students. That is not the easiest task in the world but she is able to connect with all students in a way that makes them excited about science while creating positive relationships.”
Both Mellow and Coolican now go on to represent Flagler Schools in the statewide Teacher and Support Employee of the Year competition.
Annual Flagler County Education Foundation Golf Classic
The weather was questionable the entire week leading up to the Annual Flagler County Education Foundation Golf Classic. “There was never a doubt in my mind that we would have perfect weather for this year’s golf tournament,” said Joe Rizzo, Flagler County Education Foundation Executive Director. The Education Foundation’s golf tournament was a sell-out event again this year. This year’s tournament was held at Plantation Bay Golf Course on January 24, 2020, with 134 players teeing it up. The proceeds help fund important Foundation programs such as Innovative Teacher Grants, the STUFF Bus program, Classroom to Careers Flagships, and college scholarships.
The tournament raised $32,000 for key Foundation programs. The money will make a big impact in Flagler Schools’ classrooms. There are currently 21 Classroom to Careers Flagship programs in our schools with the newest being the Medical Flagship at Flagler Palm Coast High School. The Classroom to Careers Flagship programs give our elementary students the ability to explore career paths, our middle school students the opportunity to grow their skill sets, and allows our high school students to find success in career opportunities as they earn certifications.
“I don’t remember ever seeing so many people having such a great time in one place for such a good cause,” added David Alfin, President-Elect for the Education Foundation.