Page 1 - Palm City Spotlight - December '24

VOL. 26 NO. 12 www.seabreezepublications.com DECEMBER 2024

Education Foundation Of Martin County

Announces Teacher Of The Year Award Winners

Tonight, the Education Foundation of Martin County Molina-Council’s students
announced its Teacher of the Year winners during a special inspire her to be a classroom
celebration at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center. teacher. She grew up in low-
Vanessa Molina-Council of Citrus Grove Elementary School income housing with non-
took top honors and was named the 2024-2025 Martin County English speaking parents
Teacher of the Year. She will go on to represent Martin County and a sibling who had a
in the state competition to become the Florida Department disability. They both attended
of Education’s Teacher of the Year. inner city public schools
Devin Carlson, partner and general manager of Audi in rough neighborhoods,
Stuart, Infiniti Stuart and Alfa Romeo Stuart, the event but her teachers made them
sponsor, presented Molina-Council with the award. feel valued and respected
The Education Foundation also recognized Alicia Carter and provided their parents
of Hidden Oaks, who won the middle school category, with guidance and resources.
and Samantha Pankhurst of Jensen Beach High, the high This experience inspired
school category winner. There were a total of 23 nominees her to pursue the teaching
competing for the top spots. profession.
In addition, Felix A. Williams Elementary School won

the Spirit Award, which was based on its theme, costumes, Education Foundation Felix A. Williams Elementary won the School Spirit Award, sponsored by the Education
props and enthusiasm. on page 3 Foundation of Martin County. (Photo by Paul Careccia)
Hanley Foundation And Mark Garwood Foundation

Raise $120,000 For Education Scholarships

At Eighth Annual Shoot For The Moon

The Hanley Foundation and the Mark Garwood Foundation Office Grill Team, a live auction, and an awards ceremony
raised $120,000 during the Eighth Annual Shoot for the Moon for individual and team winners. Nine new recipients were
on Friday, November 1, at the South Florida Shooting Club in awarded Mark Garwood Phoenix Scholarships for the 2025
Palm City. This year’s event marked a milestone as the Hanley academic cycle at the luncheon.
Foundation officially partnered with the Mark Garwood Since its inception in 2015, 76 Mark Garwood Phoenix
Foundation to continue to provide education scholarships for Scholarships have been awarded and more than $540,000
individuals in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). in financial aid provided to individuals who are actively
After a warm welcome from the Garwood family and in recovery, committed to long-term sobriety, and ready to
a safety briefing, more than 188 shooters took the field for begin or continue their education. More than 90 percent of
the friendly competition. Participants and guests enjoyed
a barbecue lunch prepared by the Martin County Sheriff’s Erica Garwood, State Rep. John Snyder, John Garwood Shoot For The Moon on page 4
United Way Of Martin County Celebrates Community Leaders

United Way of Martin County kicked off its annual organizations and dedicated individuals who raise millions of relief programs, but
campaign with the Community Leaders’ Celebration dollars every year to ensure that Martin County residents are most importantly, by
luncheon at Sailfish Point Country Club on October 28. able to provide basic needs for themselves and their families. being the guiding light
Nearly 200 people from this fine community came together Derek Lowe, coordinator of Public Information and to residents who may
to honor and celebrate their outstanding achievements from Community Relations for the Martin County School District, otherwise feel lost.
the past year while looking towards an even brighter future. served as event emcee. With the generosity
At the luncheon, United Way thanked the many generous “I understand that this year has not been an easy of those working and
one, especially after the volunteering at United
destruction caused by Way, our beloved
Hurricane Milton,” Lowe family and friends can
pointed out. “Which is why remain hopeful that Since United Way’s inception of
I wanted to thank United they will get back on honoring our Top 10 Most Generous
Way of Martin County for their feet every time.” Workplaces and Communities,
always being there when we During the Publix Super Markets continues
need them most, not only luncheon, United Way to reign as the most generous
by providing resources and workplace in Martin County. (Left to
assistance through disaster United Way on page 6 right: Blake Davis and Dipal Mehta)