Return to Headlines
April 28, 2025
Ten Pinellas teachers have won Cheers to Public Service Awards. The awards recognize their impact on students and their school culture. Each will receive $1,000 from Irish 31's iCare Foundation at a celebration on May 15. The foundation encourages teachers to spend the money on themselves, not their classrooms.
This year, the foundation doubled the number of Pinellas teachers winning awards. See the winning teachers' profiles at irish31.com/cheers.
Congratulations to the PCS winners:
- Delia Doss of Lakewood High: The ninth-grade English teacher's innovative teaching methods and her willingness to give her students her time outside the school day have created a culture of service-learning at the school.
- Miranda France of Starkey Elementary: Through engaging lesson plans, soccer coaching, hosting clubs, and a passion for lifelong learning, she inspires students to think critically and develop a love for education.
- Vivianna Graham of Azalea Elementary: Several parents shared how she works wonders with the kids she teaches. They say she really cares about the success of every student and goes above and beyond in her teaching role.
- Akela Harris of Mount Vernon Elementary: After joining Mount Vernon, she immediately took on several leadership positions. She has quickly built relationships with some of the neediest students and attends their extracurricular activities.
- Nicholas Ivkovich of Largo Middle: The Business Education teacher, cross-country coach, boys’ basketball coach, track coach and FBLA advisor, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his students, in the classroom and beyond.
- Hasena Kurtic of Douglas Jamerson Elementary: She sponsors, facilitates and coordinates various programs that foster student success and support the physical and mental well-being of students and staff.
- David Lawson of Sawgrass Lake Elementary: A devoted teacher of 27 years, he educates and advocates for exceptional education students. He makes learning fun and continues to learn and grow to ensure his students are successful.
- Brandon Mills of Gibbs High: A biology/environmental science teacher, he has accomplished some of the highest test scores for his school while taking on various coaching positions.
- Dennis Russo of Lakewood High:The Library Media Specialist transformed the Media Center into a space where all students feel welcome. He worked tirelessly to organize books, improve the layout, and apply for grants to update the furniture and resources.
- Stephanie Swenson of Northeast High: As the PE Department Chair and a dedicated 9-12 physical education teacher, Coach Swenson is a relentless advocate for her students, including those with special needs.
