Pasco board honors more than 120 state‑champion athletes and Bucks Best Crew educators

The Pasco County School Board used part of its meeting to recognize dozens of student athletes and school staff for statewide athletic and service accomplishments.

District and community partners honored more than 120 athletes who advanced to or won state championships this school year. Awards and photographs included teams and individuals from River Ridge, Cypress Creek, Sunlake, Wiregrass Ranch, Hudson High School, Wesley Chapel High School and others, plus Special Olympics champions and coaches. Coaches and assistant coaches were named; example recognitions included Mike DeGennaro (River Ridge weightlifting coach) and head coaches and assistant coaches for multiple teams cited by presenters.

The Bucks Best Crew educator recognitions highlighted teachers and support staff whose peers nominated them. The presentation included remarks by Brian Ford, chief operating officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (speaker 11), who praised the district’s educators and presented a game ball to founding Skybrook K–8 principal Dr. Michelle (Michelle) Bolin. Rainey Meek, a fifth‑grade teacher at Skybrook K–8, was also recognized for returning to teach in the district after graduating from a district teacher‑academy program.

Family members were invited to the dais for photographs. District leaders said the recognitions reflect community partnerships (including the Buccaneers and Lightning Foundation) and plan further community celebration events to accommodate growing numbers of honorees.

No formal votes were required for recognitions; the presentations concluded with photos and public thanks to staff, students and coaches.