Bucs, Glazer family honor Pasco educators through 'Bucks Best' recognition

Tampa Bay Buccaneers COO Brian Ford and Pasco County Schools used a board-meeting feature to recognize local educators through the "Bucks Best" program, praising nominees for work beyond classroom duties and announcing plans for a school-focused event at the Buccaneers' training camp.

Ford said the Glazer family and the Buccaneers organization view supporting educators as a community priority and described the weekly tradition of awarding a game ball to individuals who "go over and above." He said the program grew from nominations presented monthly at school board meetings and that the team hopes to host a Pasco County Schools Day at training camp for all winners and their families after the Buccaneers' game schedule is released in May.

Kara Carter, a fourth-grade ELA teacher at Fox Hollow Elementary School and recipient of the night's game ball, described the recognition as meaningful when teachers feel exhausted and overlooked. Carter said Fox Hollow improved from a failing grade to a C and credited close work with students and support from visiting Buccaneers players and cheerleaders. She encouraged colleagues to persist, noting small acts nd outreach to families help students succeed.

Dr. Tony Zecchi, chief communications officer for Pasco County Schools, and program hosts thanked nominees and highlighted the partnership as a way to show appreciation for teachers, support staff and principals. The segment concluded with organizers encouraging winners to attend the planned training-camp event so educators can meet, share practices and celebrate their work.

The feature focused on recognition and community partnership; no formal policy actions or votes were recorded in the segment.