Education

The Honor Roll: We’re down to the Final Four. Pick the winner of our school hero poll

We asked you to nominate people in your school community who make a big impact in the lives of students.

You gave us dozens of heartwarming responses, and we’re not surprised. We already knew our South Florida schools were filled with unsung heroes.

We took those changemakers and are now featuring them in our poll — and you get to vote for a winner.

After three weeks of voting, we’ve cut the field down to the Final Four.

Since this is the last round, we’re going to keep the voting open for about two weeks. So you have until Sunday, March 19, at 5 p.m. to vote for your favorite.

Voting has ended. We’ll announce the winner after spring break.

Read Next

Read all about the nominees here:

Erica Echeverri, zoology teacher, TERRA Environmental Research Institute: Ms. E was nothing but incredibly supportive, kind, and an incredible mentor when it came to life outside of school. She changed my entire perspective on how to go about living my best life and there isn’t any way I could ever repay her.

Arlene S. Martinez, guidance counselor, School for Advanced Studies, Wolfson Campus, Miami: Ms. Martinez goes above and beyond to make sure all students at SAS Wolfson are successful. She has a vested interest in making sure no student falls through any crack and every last child gets to shine. She is emblematic of what an educator should be — spectacular in every way! The children of SAS Wolfson are lucky to have her.

Maria F. Nuñez, assistant principal, Green Springs Charter School, Miami: Amazing principal. Best ever!!! Knew every detail for each student in school. Great contact with parents. Best administrator. Loved her teachers and was extremely caring. There’s no one like her!!!

Michael Townsel, counselor, School for Advanced Studies North, Miami: I’ve only known Dr. Townsel for about two years and in that time he has created a safe space for me and my fellow classmates where we can be ourselves and grow. He’s inspired me to follow my passions and has taught me and others a lot about putting your own dreams before others. He supports each and every one of our dreams and is someone you can always count on. Dr. T is someone I will remember forever for the impact he has made on my life. Love you, Dr. T.

This story was originally published February 13, 2023 at 5:00 AM.

Sommer Brugal
Miami Herald
Sommer Brugal is the K-12 education reporter for the Miami Herald. Before making her way to Miami, she covered three school districts on Florida’s Treasure Coast for TCPalm, part of the USA Today Network.
Jimena Tavel
Miami Herald
Jimena Tavel covers higher education for the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald. She’s a bilingual reporter with triple nationality: Honduran, Cuban and Costa Rican. Born and raised in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, she moved to Florida at age 17. She earned her journalism degree from the University of Florida in 2018, and joined the Herald soon after.
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