Celebrate Excellence in Head Start—Congratulations to our 2025 Award Winners

Each year, the Florida Head Start Association (FHSA) proudly honors the individuals and organizations who exemplify the heart and soul of Head Start and Early Head Start in Florida. These champions of early childhood education embody resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to children and families.

This year’s honorees remind us why our mission matters—and how it continues to shape Florida’s future. They are more than award recipients; they are the heartbeat of our programs. From nurturing children’s growth to advocating for families and forging powerful community partnerships, their work reflects the very best of Head Start.

We look forward to celebrating these changemakers at the FHSA 2025 Annual Conference during our Annual Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, October 29, at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the Entrance to Universal Orlando. Join us in honoring their impact and inspiring legacy. 

Purchase Awards Luncheon Only Tickets Here!

 

Parent of the Year
Dr. Emmanuel Ikpuri
Miami Dade County CAHSD
Head Start/Early Head Start

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Beating the Odds
Eliakim Reese
You Thrive Florida

 

 

 

 

Administrator of the Year
Brigette Davis
Children First, Inc. 

           

 

Teacher of the Year
Celeste Rotan
School Board of Brevard County

     

 

Staff of the Year
Omar Campuzano
Miami Dade County CAHSD
Head Start/Early Head Start

           




Support Staff of the Year
Rani Panchanathan
Miami Dade County CAHSD
Head Start/Early Head Start

     

  

 

Achievement Award
Michele Hann
You Thrive Florida

           

 

Oral Health Award
Ashley Ravelo
Monroe County School District
Head Start

     

 

 Scholarship Head Start Staff
Kacie Hull
Children First, Inc. 

           

 

 

Scholarship Head Start Parent
J'Myia Wright
Children First, Inc.

     

 

 Corporate Award
The Gift of Swimming 
Orange County Head Start

           

 

 

 

 

Edward Zigler Innovation Award
State Finalist 
Brevard Zoo

     

 


Vanessa Rich Leadership Award
State Finalist
Tanya Stone
You Thrive Florida

           

 

 Aubrey Puckett Memorial Award
State Finalist
 Kathia Nunez
You Thrive Florida