“Unflappable.” “Indispensable.” “Catalyst.” “Transformative.”
Those were among the words used by principals to describe the six Sarasota County Schools educators recently selected for Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation’s 2026 Ripple Effect Teacher Award. Each of the teachers was recognized by the Foundation and school district leaders during a series of surprise award ceremonies in early May.
Barancik Foundation’s Ripple Effect Teacher Award honors outstanding teachers whose influence extends beyond the classroom and leaves a lasting mark on students’ lives. Each winner receives a $5,000 award from the Foundation.
“We know that everyone remembers their favorite teacher,” said Barancik Foundation Interim President/CEO John Annis. “There’s a reason for that. Put simply, these educators make all the difference in the world.”
The Spring 2026 Ripple Effect Teacher Award recipients are:
Hal Anderson, Law Academy Coordinator/Instructor, Booker High School
Megan Ehlers, Marine Science Teacher, Sarasota High School
Ken Hall, ACCESS Teacher (Middle School), Oak Park School
Stacy Lenz, Math Teacher (Grades 2–3), Gulf Gate Elementary School
Tonya Quinn, Literacy Coach/Interventionist, Phillippi Shores Elementary School
Erin Tuttle, ESE Resource Teacher (Grades 4–5), Brentwood Elementary School
“It is an honor to celebrate these outstanding teachers,” said Superintendent of Schools Terry Connor. “Their commitment to the success and well-being of their students is inspiring, and we are grateful to have them in our school district family.”
The Ripple Effect award program was established in 2022 by Barancik Foundation in partnership with the school district to recognize and elevate the daily impact of public-school teachers in Sarasota County. The award was created in memory of Charles and Margery Barancik, who believed deeply in the power of education and valued the role that great teachers play in students’ success in school and later in life.
The award’s name recalls something Margie Barancik—who was a teacher herself—once said about her family’s philanthropy: “We can’t change the world, but we can change little pieces of it and hope for a ripple effect.” Each year, Sarasota County Schools principals are invited to nominate one educator from their school who demonstrates excellence, sets the bar for innovation, and makes a meaningful difference for their students, fellow teachers, and school community.
A total of 10 Ripple Effect awards are presented annually, divided between May and September to commemorate Chuck and Margie Barancik’s respective birthday months. This round coincides with Chuck’s birthday on May 27. Four more awards will be presented next semester in connection with Margie’s birthday on September 29.
What They’re Saying
The following are excerpts from the nominations submitted by school administrators for the six Spring 2026 Ripple Effect Teacher Award winners:
“Mr. Anderson’s influence is lasting and personal. He teaches students to think critically, speak with purpose, and carry themselves with professionalism. Many credit his classroom as the place where they discovered their voice and ambition.”
—Assistant Principal Greg Rumph, Booker High School, nominating Hal Anderson
“Dr. Ehlers is an exceptional educator whose impact extends far beyond her own classroom. She teaches with real-world application in mind, helping students connect academic concepts to meaningful experiences and develop a passion for marine science.”
—Principal Ryan Chase, Sarasota High School, nominating Megan Ehlers
“Ken Hall embodies the qualities we hope every student experiences in a teacher: patience, acceptance, dedication, and genuine care. Our students are incredibly fortunate to have him guiding them through the already adventurous journey that is middle school.”
—Principal Sean Donovan, Oak Park School, nominating Ken Hall
“Stacy is a true catalyst for growth at Gulf Gate. Her leadership and dedication strengthen students, empower teachers, and enrich our entire school community. I cannot think of a more deserving educator for the Ripple Effect Award.”
—Principal Michelle Miller, Gulf Gate Elementary School, nominating Stacy Lenz
“Mrs. Quinn is deeply committed to ensuring every child becomes a confident reader. Her dedication creates a ripple effect that strengthens literacy instruction across our entire school.”
—Principal Holly Staley, Phillippi Shores Elementary School, nominating Tonya Quinn
“Erin Tuttle embodies dedication without ego, leadership without spotlight, and service without expectation. She is one of the reasons I believe the Ripple Effect Award was created.”
—Principal Holly Brody, Brentwood Elementary School, nominating Erin Tuttle
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Photos for publication
High-resolution photos from the award presentations can be downloaded at the link below. For identification of individuals in each photo, please email gluberecki@barancikfoundation.org.
https://bit.ly/Ripple-Effect_May-2026_media
About Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation
The Charles and Margery Barancik family has long believed in the power of philanthropy to shape our world and enrich the lives of all people. It was the expression of this belief that led them in 2014 to establish Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation—a private, family foundation located in Sarasota, Florida. Barancik Foundation creates initiatives and awards grants in Sarasota and beyond in the areas of education, humanitarian causes, arts and culture, the environment, and medical research. For more information, visit www.barancikfoundation.org.