Pinellas board honors Teacher of the Year, student services staff and marks National Mentoring Month

The Pinellas County School Board opened its Jan. 27 meeting with several recognitions and proclamations honoring educators and volunteers.

A video and remarks from finalists preceded the announcement that Denise White had been named the 2026 Pinellas County Teacher of the Year. "I was stunned when he announced my name," White said after being recognized, thanking colleagues and family.

Superintendent Hendrick introduced Donna Sicilian, executive director of student services, who asked the board to designate the first week of February 2026 as Student Services Week to honor counselors, nurses, social workers, psychologists and prevention staff. The board read and approved a proclamation recognizing the contributions of student services professionals.

During the student services portion, several staff members were individually recognized for core values and service roles, including a school psychologist, counselors, nurses, social workers and prevention staff, followed by a group photograph with the board.

Kathleen Young Parker, the district’s minority achievement officer, presented the case for National Mentoring Month and noted district mentor recruitment and training efforts; the board read a proclamation recognizing January as National Mentoring Month. Parker highlighted recent mentor milestones and the role mentoring plays in attendance and academic outcomes.

All proclamations and recognitions at the Jan. 27 meeting were approved by unanimous voice votes.