Broward County Public Schools honors outstanding volunteers mentors and partners during 2026 Community Involvement Awards

Broward County, Florida – More than 800 people gathered this week to celebrate the people and organizations helping shape student success across Broward County Public Schools, as the district honored the winners of its 2026 Community Involvement Awards.

The annual event, held on April 29, turned into a large-scale recognition of volunteers, mentors, school partners, advocates, and community leaders whose efforts often happen quietly behind the scenes but leave a lasting impact on students throughout Broward County.

The ceremony highlighted a simple but powerful idea: schools do not operate alone. Across the district, businesses, nonprofits, local governments, volunteers, and families continue working alongside educators to support students both inside and outside the classroom.

This year’s celebration also recognized the role corporate and financial partners play in supporting district initiatives. Microsoft Elevate served as the event’s presenting sponsor, while BrightStar Credit Union received special recognition as a platinum sponsor and longtime supporter of district programs.

One of the evening’s most notable honors, the District Partner of the Year Award, went to WPLG Local 10 for its continued support of literacy and school engagement initiatives. The station has partnered with schools through book drives, teacher appreciation efforts, and campus support programs designed to help students and educators alike.

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Meanwhile, the Municipal Partner of the Year Award was presented to the City of Plantation. District officials credited the city for contributing thousands of volunteer hours and creating opportunities connected to civic engagement, environmental education, and career-focused learning experiences.

Several awards focused specifically on partnerships developed directly within schools.

At the elementary school level, HandsOn South Florida was recognized for its work with Rock Island Elementary School. Their collaboration transformed school spaces and created interactive learning environments through large volunteer projects.

The middle school award honored The Crockett Foundation for its work with Margate Middle School. The foundation has provided extensive STEM-focused programming aimed at preparing students for future academic and professional opportunities.

At the high school level, the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project was recognized for its partnership with Hollywood Hills High School. The mentoring initiative focuses on academic achievement, leadership development, and personal growth for students.

Student leadership also took center stage during the ceremony.

Cherish Samuel of Miramar High School received the Superintendent’s Student Award after completing more than 2,300 service hours. District officials noted her involvement in supporting both school operations and athletic activities, describing her dedication as exceptional.

The event also spotlighted individuals and organizations focused on family and community engagement. Seth Hyman earned Individual of the Year recognition for advocacy efforts supporting individuals with disabilities and helping families navigate educational challenges.

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The Group of the Year Award went to Dennis Tennis Serving Love, which works to expand access to tennis instruction and mentoring opportunities for young people in underserved communities.

Mentorship emerged as one of the evening’s strongest recurring themes.

At the elementary school level, Darryl Wilson from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School received Mentor of the Year honors for guiding students through programs centered on personal and academic development.

The secondary school mentorship award recognized Joyce Davis of Olsen Middle School for work empowering young girls through confidence-building and positive decision-making support.

Peer mentoring recognition went to Christopher White, whose leadership and involvement at Hollywood Hills High School earned praise from district officials.

Another major award recognized Safe Schools South Florida as Mentor Program of the Year for promoting safe and inclusive learning environments through advocacy and educational support programs.

Volunteerism remained another major focus throughout the celebration.

Jacqui Luscombe received the District Advisory and Committee Volunteer Award for work supporting students and families through the district’s ESE Advisory Committee.

The Adult Volunteer of the Year recognition went to Enrique Rodriguez Sr. of Pembroke Lakes Elementary School for strengthening communication and engagement within the school community.

Senior Volunteer of the Year honors were awarded to Johnny McCray Jr. from Boyd H. Anderson High School, recognized for mentorship and coaching efforts supporting students academically and personally.

Youth Volunteer of the Year went to Mia Rose Suarez for demonstrating leadership, inclusion, and peer support through extensive volunteer work.

The district also highlighted its One Broward School Support Initiative, which encourages BCPS employees to volunteer throughout schools in the district. María F. Barragán-Casado from the Mental Health Services Department was recognized as Employee Champion, while the Mental Health Services Department received the Department of Distinction honor.

In addition to the awards themselves, the ceremony featured student performances and contributions from schools across the district, showcasing talent, creativity, and school pride.

District leaders described the event as more than an awards ceremony. In many ways, it served as a reminder of how deeply connected schools are to the communities surrounding them. Through volunteer hours, mentoring relationships, advocacy efforts, and partnerships, the individuals and organizations recognized this year continue helping students build confidence, opportunity, and support systems that extend far beyond the classroom.

The Community Involvement Awards, district officials said, remain part of BCPS’s broader effort to strengthen collaboration between schools, families, and the wider community — a mission they believe is essential to student achievement and well-being across Broward County.