PLANTATION, Fla. – Every year, Local 10′s Tribute to Teachers campaign recognizes the best educators in South Florida, with only five honorees selected from hundreds of nominations.
For three years, Stephen Fagan has been teaching sixth and seventh graders at Seminole Middle School in Plantation.
In that short time span, he has left a significant mark on both the school and his students’ lives.
“His teaching skills are great and he makes teaching fun,” says Charlotte Monterrey, one of his students.
Fagan not only teaches science but also runs four school clubs, including the Mentoring Tomorrow’s Leaders Club and the First Priority, a faith-based club.
Additionally, he leads the school’s plant nursery club and coaches the Seminole Middle Wrestling Program, which recently won a county championship for Broward County.
Fagan’s dedication and impact were unexpectedly recognized when he was announced as the winner of the Tribute to Teachers award.
He was presented with $1,000 in Publix gift cards as a token of appreciation.
“When you see Mr. Fagan coming to the school for three years, he’s only made the school better,” said Publix Super Markets’ Media Relations Manager Robyn Hankerson.
The recognition highlights Publix’s commitment to investing in education and Local 10′s dedication to honoring exemplary educators like Fagan, who continues to influence the lives of his students.
Student Taylor Cius said Fagan’s award was well deserved as he praised his devoted teacher.
“He’s a hardworking man, and I think he deserves what he earned today, he said.
Fagan also reflected on his journey, stating, “We have come such a long way in such a short amount of time, and I am beyond thankful for each and every person that I’ve come to meet.”
To see the stories of all the winners, click here.
All of the winning teachers will be introduced each day this week during Local 10′s 5:30 p.m. newscast.