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Charlotte County students win ‘I Voted’ sticker contest; two staff recognized for averting car fire
Summary
Charlotte County Public Schools and the Supervisor of Elections presented an “I Voted” sticker contest winner from Sally Jones Elementary, and Vineland staff were honored after assisting when a parent's car nearly caught fire.
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — Charlotte County Public Schools and the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections presented the winner of an “I Voted” sticker design contest on Sept. 9, and the board recognized two school safety staff for responding to a vehicle incident at Vineland Elementary.
Ellen Harvey, curriculum and instruction specialist for Charlotte County Public Schools, introduced Supervisor of Elections Leah Valente at the board meeting to present the contest winner. Valente said the contest aimed to involve young people in civic processes; the contest was incorporated into the Sally Jones Elementary art curriculum under teacher Susan Landis and invited work from fifth-grade students.
Valente asked the winner, Lacey, now a sixth grader, to say a few words. Lacey told the board she drew people standing “all by each other” to show Punta Gorda as a connected, united community and included a U.S. flag to reference voting. She described using “alcohol markers and lots of imagination” and said she was proud to live in Punta Gorda.
Valente praised the student, the Sally Jones teacher and district staff for organizing the contest. She said the winning design will be reproduced on stickers that thousands of voters will see and wear.
Separately, the board recognized two Vineland school employees for safety responses after a parent’s car nearly caught fire in the school parking lot. Principal Jackie Batchinick nominated school security guard Bridal Castle and School Resource Officer Deputy Matt Hauschild, saying Castle quickly used a fire extinguisher and the deputy helped ensure there was no danger to people nearby and assisted the parent with resources. The principal shared that the parent later sent a thank-you letter and a homemade pie in appreciation.
Superintendent Vianello said the district will present challenge coins to both employees in person at the school the following day.
Why it matters The sticker contest is part of a joint effort by the Supervisor of Elections and schools to educate students about civic participation and make voting tangible. The recognition of school safety staff highlights day-to-day safety work that can prevent harm and reassure families.
What’s next District leaders said stickers from the contest will be distributed at local polling places and used in voter outreach efforts tied to civic education. The district will deliver challenge coins to the Vineland staff at the school as a formal thank-you.
