FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2022

Barancik Foundation Names Five Sarasota Teachers as Ripple Effect Award Winners

Photo I.D. Gulf Gate Elementary teacher Michelle Rivas receives Barancik Foundation’s Ripple Effect award in front of her class.

Sarasota, FL— When it comes to shaping a child’s future, an amazing teacher will help their students grow and succeed and change the trajectory of their lives.  Recently, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation recognized five Sarasota County teachers for going above and beyond in their profession.

Barancik Foundation named five Ripple Effect Teacher Awards winners in partnership with Sarasota County Schools in memory of Chuck Barancik.  The semi-annual prize acknowledges five outstanding teachers on Chuck’s birthday in May and five on Margie Barancik’s birthday in September.  Each teacher recognized for their positive impact on their students’ lives is awarded $5,000 to spend on professional development experiences, material, and equipment for their classrooms.

Chuck’s spring semester awardees are:

• Tessa Healy, Wilkinson Elementary
• Megan Wink, Lakeview Elementary
• Michelle Rivas, Gulf Gate Elementary
• Dorothy Rieger, McIntosh Middle
• Melissa Dweck, Sarasota High

A surprise to the teachers, each winner was recognized by the superintendent, their principal, and members of the School District during a special ceremony at their schools. The recipients were commended for their innovative efforts in building positive cultural changes at their schools—among their students and peers. All were recognized for the lasting impact they have on their students.

“In our eyes, teachers are superheroes, and this is our way of recognizing them for what they do each day,” says Teri A Hansen, President|CEO of Barancik Foundation.

Launched in 2021, the award was inspired by the late Barancik couple’s philosophy on their charitable giving, often noting, “We can’t change the world, but we can change little pieces of it and hope for a ripple effect.”

Facilitated by the School District, each Sarasota County principal nominated one teacher to be considered for the award. A committee made up of community leaders then identified the top candidates.

“We are thankful for the hard work, compassion, and dedication of all our teachers and look forward to seeing the bright future that results from the ripple effects they set in motion today,” commented Dr. Brennan Asplen, Superintendent of Sarasota County Schools.

Previous winners have used the funds for classroom improvement projects, professional development workshops across the country, and items like musical equipment and state-of-the-art robots to help pique students’ interest in the classroom. Barancik Foundation has made an ongoing commitment to award the ten $5,000 teacher grants each year.

###

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. 

About Sarasota County Schools

Sarasota County Schools is committed to providing unrivaled academic, emotional, and civic growth to every student, every day. As one of the leading employers on the Suncoast, Sarasota County Schools boasts 55 schools that expertly cater to the diverse needs of all our students. We are one of two Florida school districts to consistently earn an A-grade every year since 2004 and have been awarded the Mid-Sized School District of the Year by the University of Cambridge. Our passionate educators empower students to take charge of their academic and personal success, a practice we believe fosters lifelong growth and achievement. Working as one, we actively maintain the district’s tradition of excellence and ensure that tradition extends to all students. Our commitment to our students extends beyond graduation to make sure they not only graduate on time, but do so college and career ready. Want to take your student’s education to the next level? Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, or visit www.SarasotaCountySchools.net.