Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, in partnership with Sarasota County Schools, has recognized three more outstanding educators with its Ripple Effect Teacher Award.
The Ripple Effect award celebrates school-district educators whose influence extends beyond their immediate roles and makes a lasting difference for students, colleagues, and school communities. The fall award presentations bring the total number of Ripple Effect honorees for 2026 to 10.
“Chuck and Margie Barancik believed deeply in the power of education, and they understood the unique role that teachers play in the academic achievement and future success of students,” said Greg Luberecki, Chief Communications and Learning Officer at Barancik Foundation. “The educators we are honoring have changed the trajectory of students’ lives in ways that will continue to ripple for a long, long time.”
The latest Ripple Effect awards were presented on September 22. Barancik Foundation staff joined district and school leaders to recognize the winners at surprise ceremonies in front of peers at each of their schools. The award includes a gift of $5,000 from the Foundation.
The fall 2026 Ripple Effect Teacher Award winners are:
Heather Bingle, Science Teacher, Atwater Elementary School
Eric Bishop, Assistant Principal, North Port High School
Chelsea Tuggle, School Counselor, Taylor Ranch Elementary School
“We love celebrating our teachers and highlighting the tremendous impact they have on their school communities,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools. “Our Ripple Effect teachers epitomize the dedication, skill, and character it takes to make a difference. Helping students succeed is at the heart of all they do, and it shows.”
Barancik Foundation presents the Ripple Effect award twice a year, in May and September, to mark the respective birthday months of Charles and Margery Barancik. The other seven honorees for 2026 were:
Hal Anderson, Law Academy Coordinator/Instructor, Booker High School
Megan Ehlers, Marine Science Teacher, Sarasota High School
Veronica Grannan, Kindergarten Teacher, Englewood Elementary 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
What They’re Saying
The following are excerpts from nominations of the three fall 2026 Ripple Effect Teacher Award winners submitted by their principals:
“Mrs. Bingle brings science to life through hands-on learning experiences that ignite curiosity and deepen understanding. She does not simply teach science standards; she cultivates scientists.”
—Principal Mindy Long, Atwater Elementary School, nominating science teacher Heather Bingle
“Dr. Bishop changes lives one student at a time. He firmly believes that every student deserves a pathway to success.”
—Principal Ryan Shurley, North Port High School, nominating Eric Bishop, then a dropout prevention teacher and the school’s master scheduler, who has since been promoted to assistant principal
“Mrs. Tuggle is a remarkable educator whose influence radiates far beyond her formal responsibilities. She may never fully see the reach of her ripple effect, but it is profound, lasting, and life-changing.”
—Principal Tara Spielman, Taylor Ranch Elementary School, nominating school counselor Chelsea Tuggle
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Photos for publication
High-resolution photos with credit/cutline information are available here:
https://bit.ly/Ripple-Effect_Fall-2026_photos
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.