Dina Rodriguez Shining Light Winner Announced

Christian Business Connections is proud to present the Shining Light Award to Dina Rodriguez winner of the Shining Light Teacher Award. It was amazing to see the caliber of the teachers. This award is a great testament to the good that educators can make at Christian Schools.

As one of the judges said all the finalists are winners but the true winners are the students who get to have them as teachers.

Christian Business Connections is proud to sponsor the Third Annual Shining Light Teacher Award. This award recognizes Christian teachers and educators in the Brandon area for excellence in raising young minds to be future leaders in our community.

Learn About Dina Rodriguez

Mrs. Dina Rodriguez

School: Nativity Catholic School

Teaches: Spanish (1-8)

Years of Service to school: 13 years

Dina consistently exhibits Christian values through everything she does. She is admired and respected.  A time that stands out in my mind was when she recognized the need to build up her colleagues, both veteran and brand new, by sharing the story Find your Marigold by Jennifer Gonzalez. She gave everyone a copy of the story and placed a freshly potted marigold on every teacher’s desk throughout the school.   She always seems to have an innate sense of when, and how to lift.  I think I can speak on behalf of our faculty and staff by saying that Dina lives a Christ-Centered life in every way.  She is an excellent role model as a wife, mother, teacher, colleague, community member, and friend. She is involved in Emmaus Ministry, CRSP Ministry, Coro Hispano, Spanish Lector’s, School Choir, Liturgy preparation, Girl Scouts, NJHS committee, and the Student Leadership Team.

9 Finalists from 5 Christian Schools

Nine finalists from five Christian schools have been selected. The award recognizes Christian Leadership, commitment to educational excellence and the impact that teachers make in student’s lives. The theme verse for this award is found in Titus 2:7-8.

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8

Shining Light 2019 Teacher Finalists

• Jennifer Boucher
• Kelley DeBoef
• Linda Heath
• Regina Maraizu
• Galatia Nonnenkamp
• Heather O’Chalek
• Jamie Stencel
• Terese Whitehurst

Jennifer Boucher

School: Bell Shoals Baptist Academy

Teaches: Media Center Director (K-8)

Years of Service to school: 18

Jennifer Boucehr is a passionate Media Director who models a LOVE of reading. She is highly organized and offers our students a wide variety of literary activities. Jennifer directs an annual book fair. She teaches Sunday School and is a VBS teacher. She feeds the homeless, directs a morning show, tutors students, and is a member of Fishhawk Fellowship. She loves her students and enjoys praying with them each day and supporting their literacy learning.

Kelley De Boef

School: Foundation Christian Academy

Teaches: preschool

Years of Service to school: 18

Kelley DeBoef served in the Foundation Christian Academy Library and as an art teacher prior to earning her CDA to teach preschool, where she has served the past 12 years, she volunteers much of her time to assist in the success of so many other campus events. She plans to retire in June and will be sorely missed. She is active in Women’s ministry and teaches children’s bible at her church. She hosts Christian Youth events at her home. She is also involved with yearbook, Athletic boosters, PAC, SGA events, Calypso Fest and Harvest Fest. You can often see her at the gate or concession stand at school events.

Linda Heath

School: Bell Shoals Baptist Academy

Teaches: Physical Education (K-8)

Years of Service to school: 24

Linda is a very loving Christian teacher who truly ministers to her students. She provides excellence in P.E. with a diverse number of activities to encourage a love of health and fitness. She has done multiple mission trips. Linda serves as an Assistant Director in the Tampa Bay Christian Athletic League and is a Chapel Speaker.

Sr. Regina Maraizu

School: Cutting Edge Learning Academy

Teaches: 4-5 Core and 8-12 Religion and principal

Years of Service to school: 2013 to Present

Sister Regina actively participates in all church activities. Taking students every Wednesday to our local church. She is always available for spiritual guidance. She tirelessly helps students reach their fullest potential, nurtures and guides her staff, and offers spiritual support and guidance for parents.

Galatia Nonnenkamp

School: St. Stephen Catholic School

Teaches: 2^nd Grade Math, Science

Years of Service to school: 1

Galy brings light and love for learning to every lesson and activity. Her eternal enthusiasm is contagious to both students and parents. She shares her love for Christ in her words and deeds.

Galy has organized events to share Greek and South American cultural experiences with both students, parents and co-workers. She is involved with cooking club, after-school tutoring, and is the faculty social coordinator.

Heather O’Chalek

School: Bell Shoals Baptist Academy

Teaches: Music (K-5)

Years of Service to school: 10

Heather is a strong Christian Leader in her home, Bell Shoals Baptist Academy, and her personal business. She is compassionate, caring, generous, and determined. Heather embraces teachable moments and builds up students. She started the non profit FAOPA, Florida Academy of Performing Arts, to offer opportunities for students to participate in art programs.  Other accomplishments include being on the board at Center Place, Owning Music Showcase for 25 year, organizing drives to collect items need, Relay for Life vendor and team lead,  Newsome Chorus Board, One Voice Foundation Partner, facilitating music makers events on a monthly basis, and being a part of the fundraising efforts for local cancer recipients.

Mrs. Jamie Stencel

School: St. Stephen Catholic School

Teaches: PK3-8^th Grade, ESE Teacher

Years of Service to school: 3

Jaime works with the students at St. Stephen Catholic School who need extra support. It is impressive to see that when a student needs someone to talk to or somewhere to cool off turn to Jaime.

Jaime belongs to a community women’s organization, Philanthropic Educational Organization to raise money for scholarships for young women to go to college. She is a girls flag football and track coach and leads a book club.

Therese Whitehurst

School: Livingstone Academy

Teaches: Lead Teacher

Years of Service to school: 2012-Present

Therese Whitehurst is a compassionate teacher helping students who are struggling academically, emotionally, or financially. She makes sure that students who are struggling financially over the holidays are taken care of by organizing family members to provide gifts and meals. She never gives up on her students and finds new solutions after we think everything has been tried. All of the students have some sort of learning disability and have IEP’s or 504 plans. Other teachers use her as a resource for resolving issues. Therese Whitehurst is an invaluable teacher at Livingstone Academy and helps with tours for new families and administrative duties. She prays with her students and their families.

Shining Light 2019 Award Timeline

• April 12: Finalists Announced
• April 26th Feedback on Teachers Due
• Monday, May 13 Awards Breakfast

Shining Light Important Links

• Winner in 2018
• Winner in 2017