Unsung Heros

Bruce Brodney

Husband of Sandra Brodney, teacher at Jamerson Elementary, was nominated for his tenderness and courage through a trying yearlong test of perserverence.  Four members of Sandra's immediate family passed away, leaving Sandra executor of three estates which involved funerals, lawyers, demanding extended family, and the selling of cars and houses.  But through it all, Bruce stood beside Sandra helping to relieve most of the burden so that she could concentrate on her students.  He even turned down a promotion at his job to help carry the load.

Chris Riley

Husband of Chelsea Matthews-Riley, teacher at Sexton Elementary, was nominated because, as his wife says, "Chris truly exemplifies the self-sacrificing, loving hero that lives in all of us."  Since the illness of their youngest son, Christopher has been the foundation of the family.  In spite of all the medical traumas of surgeries, treatments and meeting the family needs, he still manages to participate in school functions for their two other children.  Christopher insists on taking time off from his job to help with the medical appointments, start the evening rituals of meals and homework and completing chores so that Chelsea can continue her job of teaching because he says that her job affects more people.

Nancy Kapper

Mother of Blossom Kapper, teacher at Dixie Hollins High School, was selected as a finalist for this award because of the love and encouragement that she provides for her daughter.  Nancy is the shoulder that Blossom cries on after she has had an emotionally difficult day at school as a social worker.  Nancy is also Blossom's rock of encouragement as she supports both the Teen Parent Program and Positive Behavorial Supprt (PBS) at Dixie Hollins High School through donations for both the teen moms and their babies.  Nancy is always ready to offer a sympathetic ear to Blossom and a reassuring smile that in the end, all wil be well.

Charles Rooney

Father of Sarah Rooney, teacher at Pinellas Central Elementary School was selected as a finalist because of the support he has given his daughter through the years.  It was Charles who encouraged Sarah to pursue a career as a teacher when teaching was the furthest thing from her mind.  But as she began her teaching career, it was Sarah's dad who helped her set up the classroom in August and pack it all up again in June.  Charles takes the time to assist Sarah's students with their projects, chaperone them on their field trips and encourage them to do well in school.

Piedad Wyatt

Mother of Maria Wyatt, teacher at Southern Oak Elementary, was nominated for being her daughter's pillar of support.  In 1995, Maria was a struggling single mother with two small children.  Because of the support from Piedad, Maria was able to return to college and earn her teaching degree.  Knowing that her mother was there to help take care of the children allowed Maria to focus on her own education.  Her mother's support continued throughout the years as Piedad assisted with school projects, Open House Nights, and even taking the time to cut out soup labels and box tops for education.  Piedad continues to model her parental involvement skills in Maria's education by bringing up the latest educational news for discussion with her daughter.