The School District of Palm Beach County, along with the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, recently held its inaugural “Celebrate the Great” awards ceremony. At the ceremony, Connie Leonardi of New Horizons Elementary School was honored as the district’s School-Related Employee of the Year.
Leonardi has worked at New Horizons in varying roles for more than 20 years. Throughout her tenure at the school, she developed a reputation as a dedicated employee who routinely goes above and beyond in her duties. Her principal describes her as positive, organized and energetic, referring to her as an irreplaceable part of the school staff.
“I came to New Horizons 22 years ago when I enrolled my twin boys in kindergarten,” Leonardi said. “I immediately fell in love with the school. It changed my life.”
Also honored were: Robera Walker Thompson of Belle Glade Elementary School as Principal of the Year, Amber Saunders of Jupiter High School as Assistant Principal of the Year and Annabel Wagner of Greenacres Elementary School as Teacher of the Year.
The winners were announced during an outdoor awards ceremony at the Cox Science Center & Aquarium. The winners will represent the district as they go on to compete at the state level as part of the Florida Department of Education recognition programs.
“Dedicated. Hardworking. Enthusiastic. Going above and beyond. These are the kinds of traits and characteristics that not only make our employees special, but it’s what keeps this district running, through ups and downs and all the challenges we may face,” Superintendent Mike Burke said.
Education Foundation President & CEO James Gavrilos agreed.
“Palm Beach County is home to the finest, most dedicated and most impactful educators anywhere,” he said. “They are worthy to be celebrated, and deserving to be honored. Congratulations to each of our winners!”
