Mr. Alvin Olivo, Digital Media and Computer Science teacher at the Osceola County School for the Arts, was named Osceola School District’s Teacher of the Year during the School District of Osceola County’s Annual Education Awards that took place in the courtyard outside the district’s administration building in Kissimmee.
Mr. Olivo developed the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and implemented the Adobe Certified Associate (ACA), an industry-standard certification exam that validates proficiency in software used by professional designers. Since the beginning of the program, 233 (75%) of the 325 students who have taken the ACA certification exam successfully earned ACA certification. From 2016 to 2020, 100% of his students exhibited growth in AP Computer Science Principles. One of the cornerstones of his lessons is helping students to be better, more keen critics of their own work products so that they are able to identify personal areas in need of improvement so that they might be able to grow beyond them.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Olivo works tirelessly to support the school by managing its social media accounts and school website. Since he began managing their social media sites, he has more than tripled the school’s followers. His social media posts focus on student stories by showcasing their amazing talent. He is also always willing to work at a moment’s notice with any of the various arts departments and clubs on campus to help design and promote a myriad of events. Marketing the school’s upcoming events has boosted attendance, as well as increased involvement in school fundraisers, spirit days, and student participation in school initiatives, such as College Week.
When reviewing all that Mr. Olivo has accomplished since becoming an educator, what is inherently evident is that he is completely committed to ensuring the success of the entire student body. He makes every program at his school better through the generous contributions of his time and talents as an outstanding teacher and mentor. Students, faculty, staff, and administration at the Osceola County School for the Arts all agree that Mr. Olivo is an unstoppable force for bettering the school community with his grace, style, and unparalleled passion. Mr. Olivo will now represent Osceola County at the state level in the Florida Department of Education’s 2022 Teacher of the Year judging.
Students, faculty, staff, and administration at the Osceola County School for the Arts all agree that Mr. Olivo is an unstoppable force for bettering the school community with his grace, style, and unparalleled passion. Mr. Olivo will now represent Osceola County at the state level in the Florida Department of Education’s 2022 Teacher of the Year judging.
Kathleen Williams, School Nurse/LPN at Harmony Middle, has been named as the School-Related Employee of the Year for the Osceola School District in recognition of her leadership for the health and safety of over 1,000 students every day, as well as the positive difference she continues to make and the outstanding support she provides to everyone at her school.
As the school nurse, she expertly addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs of students and supports their achievement in the learning process. She administers medication aide in developing health care plans, educates students and staff on healthy habits, and keeps track of students’ vaccination records and health screenings. During the uncertainty of the pandemic, Nurse Katie developed a game plan and space to safely care for students. Her involvement with the children allowed her to quickly identify those who were deeply struggling when unable to return to school so outreach could be done. In addition, she helped hand out loaner laptops and hotspots to families in need, cleaned out P.E. lockers, and answered phones in the front office. She also serves as the school’s Health Champion, orchestrating mental health uplifts, food drives, Biggest Loser weight challenges, and other healthy outlets. She also co-sponsors the school’s H.E.R.D. Club, which provides students with an opportunity to give back to the community and to fellow staff members.
In taking on the role of Assistant Athletic Director at the school, she attends every sporting event in support of the Harmony Middle Wranglers while ensuring all athletes, no matter if from the home or away team, are safe and well. Nurse Katie secured the donation of 150 basketballs from the Orlando Magic as part of the school’s Partners in Education program.
Nurse Katie is a constant positive reinforcement for the students and staff at Harmony Middle. In addition to performing her job at an exemplary level, she is at the heart and soul of the school demonstrated through her incredible commitment to her entire community.
Superintendent Dr. Debra Pace will now proudly forward her nomination to the Florida Department of Education for consideration for Florida’s School-Related Employee of the Year Award.
