Twenty-five exceptional employees were honored at the Martin County School District’s annual School-Related Employee of the Year Ceremony on December 8, 2025. Hosted at the Stuart Corinthian Yacht Club, the celebration highlighted the essential role educational support personnel play in strengthening our schools and supporting student success. The School-Related Employee of the Year program recognizes individuals whose dedication, service, and impact elevate their school communities in meaningful ways.
This year, Ms. Shemetras Spencer, secretary to the Jensen Beach High School principal, was named the District’s overall School-Related Employee of the Year. Just recently joining the District in 2023, her influence at Jensen Beach High School has been nothing short of extraordinary. Ms. Spencer brings professionalism, initiative, and genuine care to every interaction, creating a warm, efficient, and student-centered environment. Her commitment to going above and beyond ensures that the Falcon community thrives.
Her impact extends far beyond administrative excellence. Mrs. Spencer builds meaningful relationships with students, offering encouragement, support, and steady guidance. Whether she’s assisting new families or helping a student feel seen and valued, she represents the heart of the school.
“Ms. Spencer truly exemplifies what it means to serve a school community with excellence,” Superintendent Michael Maine shared. “Her commitment to creating a welcoming, well-organized, and student-centered environment strengthens Jensen Beach High School every single day, and we are proud to recognize her as our School-Related Employee of the Year.”
Ms. Spencer’s name will be submitted to the Florida Department of Education for consideration in the state-level recognition program.
Additionally, a special congratulations to Mrs. Chelsea Vieira of Citrus Grove Elementary, who was awarded the Martin County Administrator Supervisor Association’s prestigious Mary Brogan Scholarship. The Mary Brogan Scholarship, presented annually by MCASA, supports paraprofessionals who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The award honors Mary Brogan, wife of former Martin County School District educator and Florida Lt. Governor Frank Brogan.
Congratulations to the following 2025-2026 School-Related Employee of the Year site-level award winners:
Veronica Zapico - Bessey Creek Elementary School
Tricia Joseph - Citrus Grove Elementary School
Shakera Chambers – Crystal Lake Elementary School
Danielle Karam-Dodd – Felix A. Williams Elementary School
Deborah Malott – Hobe Sound Elementary School
Carmen Shakoor – J.D. Parker Elementary School
Catherine Corby – Jensen Beach Elementary School
Kristina Lopez – Palm City Elementary School
Martha Sommer – Pinewood Elementary School
Chase Ratchford – Port Salerno Elementary School
Catherine Anderson – SeaWind Elementary School
Crisanta Tomas-Gabriel – Warfield Elementary School
Edith Rivera – Dr. David L. Anderson Middle School
Julio Valencia – Hidden Oaks Middle School
Maria Ramirez-Huerta – Indiantown Middle School
Dolores Tomas – Murray Middle School
Joan Raines – Stuart Middle School
Shemetras Spencer – Jensen Beach High School*
Norma Andrade – Martin County High School
Jenny Martinez – South Fork High School
Roylyn Jason – Head Start
Marybeth Pena – Hope Center for Autism
Wanda Almestica- Riverbend Academy
Danielle Pfeiffer – Spectrum Academy
Katrina Doyle – Willoughby Learning Center
*Denotes 25-26 MCSD School-Related Employee of the Year
View photos from the event here.