Wakulla County Schools celebrated excellence in public education during the inaugural Teacher of the Year Gala, held Friday, January 9, 2026, recognizing eight exceptional educators selected as School and District Office Teachers of the Year for 2025–2026.
The honorees include Kelli Bell (District Office), Erin Dunn-Caquimbo (Wakulla High School), Kathleen George (Wakulla Middle School), Jennifer Gilbert (Riversink Elementary School), Cheyenne Hartzog (Medart Elementary School), Makenna Maldonado (Shadeville Elementary School), Jessica Strickland (Riversprings Middle School), and Amber Stallings (Crawfordville Elementary School). Each educator was selected at the school or district level for their commitment to students, instructional excellence, and leadership within their school communities.
Kelli Bell, District Office Teacher of the Year, is a Pre-K Speech and Language Pathologist with more than 15 years of experience serving pediatric and school-age students. As an itinerant SLP supporting Medart and Riversink Elementary Schools, Bell facilitates transition teams that promote inclusive learning environments and student success. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Communication Disorders from Florida State University.
Erin Dunn-Caquimbo, Wakulla High School Teacher of the Year, serves as a teacher, team lead, and department head for Exceptional Student Education. With more than 20 years of experience, she fosters academic and social-emotional growth in inclusive classrooms. In addition to teaching Learning Strategies and supporting ACCESS, Dunn-Caquimbo coordinates the Community-Based Instruction program, leads the Angel Closet, and coaches the Wakulla High School Dance Team.
Kathleen George, Wakulla Middle School Teacher of the Year, is an ESE self-contained teacher with 15 years of service in Wakulla County Schools. Beginning as a paraprofessional, George is known for creating encouraging learning environments and supporting students through leadership roles as ESE Team Lead, Special Olympics coach, and volunteer coordinator.
Jennifer Gilbert, Riversink Elementary School Teacher of the Year, serves as a K–2 ESE inclusion teacher, delivering differentiated, standards-aligned instruction with a focus on early literacy, math foundations, and social-emotional learning. She also supports new educators across the district as a mentor teacher.
Cheyenne Hartzog, Medart Elementary School Teacher of the Year, is a third-grade teacher recognized for using data-driven instruction to support meaningful reading growth. As a Learning Leader, Hartzog facilitates professional learning communities and models effective instructional strategies for her colleagues.
Jessica Strickland, Riversprings Middle School Teacher of the Year, brings more than 17 years of experience supporting students and families. She is recognized for cultivating inclusive classrooms and advancing literacy while supporting exceptional learners. Strickland serves as ESE Department Head, mentor teacher, SWAT coordinator, and case manager.
Amber Stallings, Crawfordville Elementary School Teacher of the Year, has dedicated 20 years to early childhood education. Recently transitioning from kindergarten to first grade, Stallings is known for implementing the Meaningful Learning Model to help students build confidence, take ownership of their learning, and achieve academic growth. She also serves in multiple leadership roles at her school as a Learning Leader, Co-Chair of the Sunshine Committee, and School Level Textbook Chairperson.
From this distinguished group of educators, Makenna Maldonado, a fifth-grade English Language Arts and Social Studies teacher at Shadeville Elementary School, was selected as Wakulla County Schools’ 2025–2026 District Teacher of the Year.
In December 2025, a qualified panel of judges from outside Wakulla County Schools interviewed each Teacher of the Year candidate and reviewed a written professional portfolio submitted by each educator. Based on this process, the District Teacher of the Year was selected.
Maldonado, with six years of educational experience, is recognized for leading collaborative professional learning communities, improving literacy outcomes, and mentoring early-career educators. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Psychology from Florida State University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Elementary Education from Florida Gulf Coast University. At Shadeville Elementary, she serves as a Learning Leader, coordinates Shadeville’s Rock Your School initiative, coaches Odyssey of the Mind, and co-directed Wakulla County Schools’ Summer Enrichment Camp, connecting students to community-focused learning experiences.
Superintendent Rick Myhre reflected on the significance of the evening and Maldonado’s selection, emphasizing that the gala celebrates both the collective excellence of educators across the district and the individual impact teachers have on students each day.
“Makenna Maldonado is indicative of the many exceptional educators, past and present, who serve Wakulla County Schools,” Myhre said. “She sets an example for future educators who aspire to this prestigious designation.”
Shadeville Elementary School Principal Tim Wheeler praised Maldonado’s impact on students and school culture, saying, “Mrs. Maldonado is a difference-maker. Students are engaged, excited to learn, and supported every day in her classroom. It’s the kind of teaching every principal hopes to see.”
As District Teacher of the Year, Maldonado will represent Wakulla County Schools at the state level, competing with educators from across Florida for the Florida Teacher of the Year honor this summer.
As part of the celebration, Wakulla County Schools has also released a special Teacher of the Year video tribute featuring reflections from students and colleagues that highlight the impact of these outstanding educators. The video also may be viewed on the Wakulla County Schools YouTube channel.