Tampa, Fl. (January 22, 2026) – Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) and Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards at The Straz Performing Arts Center.
Selected from 690 nominations, 13 finalists were recognized for their exceptional contributions to students, schools, and colleagues. The event culminated with the announcement of one winner for each of three categories: Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.
The Winners:
2026 IDA S. BAKER DIVERSITY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Ché Counce, Access Points Teacher, Symmes Elementary School
Ché Counce is an Access Points teacher who has served Hillsborough County Public Schools for seven years. Born on Hill Air Force Base in Utah and raised in Tampa, she holds a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and a master’s in Exceptional Student Education, both from the University of South Florida, graduating Summa Cum Laude with her bachelor’s. Ché is passionate about expanding opportunities for her students through grant writing, securing funding for sensory rooms, cooking lessons, science equipment, schoolwide inclusive events, and a school garden. She has served on the board of a nonprofit supporting individuals with Down syndrome and has also worked with Metropolitan Ministries in an after-school program. She also taught English in South Korea for a year. Ché is dedicated to community service and to empowering students with cognitive disabilities. Her students’ growth and increased inclusion continue to inspire her work each day.
2026 INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
Mary Torres-Cerezo, Licensed Professional Nurse, Willis Peters Exceptional Student Education Center
Mary Lynn Torres-Cerezo has worked for HCPS for 21 years. Fourteen of those years have been as a nurse for Willis Peters Exceptional Center. Mary was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She received her diploma for Practical Nursing at Fortis College. One of Mary’s passions is raising awareness for childhood cancer. Along with her church group, they adopt a family every Christmas that is going through childhood cancer. This is done in memory of her youngest daughter, Sierra. Sierra is the biggest motivation in her role as a nurse. Sierra had Down Syndrome and passed away at the age of 9 from Leukemia. Her other motivation is her students. Working with students with special needs is an honor. Getting to know them and how pure their love is for others is truly amazing. It’s a blessing to be around them.
2026 TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Christi Atkinson, Science/AICE Teacher, Wharton High School
Christi Atkinson was born in El Paso, Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston with a B.S. in Marine Biology and an M.Ed. in Physical Education from the University of Houston. Christi is married to David and has twin boys, Cristopher and Mikel. She has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 14 years, nine years at Wharton HS, with the last four years as the science department head. She is an active sponsor of Science NHS and SPLASH Club and is a member of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.
Christi has participated in training offered by Guy Harvey, the Florida Aquarium, and NOAA exploration. She has been awarded grants from Guy Harvey, SWFWMD, HEF, and Target to finance student field trips and equipment purchases. Christi is motivated by watching students relate their classroom learning to the ocean and environment, as well as challenging her students to discover creative and innovative solutions to environmental issues.
“Excellence isn’t a single moment, it’s the daily choices our staff make to support students, serve families, and raise the bar for what’s possible. Ché, Mary, and Christi embody that excellence, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them on our Hillsborough County Public School team,” said Superintendent Van Ayres.
The celebration continues at the three winners’ schools on Friday, January 23rd. Please contact Debra Bellanti if you’d like to attend one of the celebrations.
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