Anne’s College Celebrates 2025 ElevatED Torch Award Recipients
Anne’s College honored outstanding educators and leaders at the 2025 ElevatED Torch Awards held Thursday, May 1.
On Thursday, May 1, the Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences welcomed more than 100 educators, school leaders, faculty, staff, and guests to the FSU Alumni Center for its annual ElevatED Torch Awards ceremony. Held each spring, the event recognizes the critical role that cooperating teachers, school administrators, and district partners play in mentoring the next generation of educators.
The ElevatED Torch Awards not only spotlight a select group of honorees each year, but also serve as a broader celebration of the hundreds of cooperating teachers and mentors who work with FSU preservice teachers throughout the academic year. This year saw a record number of student nominations—a reflection of the profound influence that these professionals have on students preparing for careers in education.
This year’s ceremony carried special weight. Just two weeks prior, the FSU community was impacted by a tragic shooting on campus. In his opening remarks, Dean Damon Andrew acknowledged the collective grief while also recognizing the strength and compassion of the educators gathered in the room. “Tonight, as we reflect on the work you do to shape lives, we also hold space for the two lives lost and the many more impacted. Your presence and your purpose matter more than ever.”
Pathmaker Award
Presented by Dr. Kevin Forehand, program director for the Educational Leadership and Administration programs at Anne's College, the Pathmaker Award recognizes school principals who mentor FSU’s educational leadership students.
This year’s recipient, Dr. Brian Pollitt of Strawberry Crest High School in Hillsborough County, was described by his nominator as “an educational leader in every sense of the word” and “an exceptional administrator who actively engages with his team, parents, and community to work toward student achievement.”
His nominator, Allison Agbasoga, accepted Pollitt's award on his behalf.
Cooperating Teacher Awards
Dr. Amy Thompson, director of the School of Teacher Education, presented the Cooperating Teacher Awards, which honored one teacher at each of the elementary, middle, and high school levels who go above and beyond in supporting FSU student teachers.
Brittany Hutto of Hawks Rise Elementary School was recognized for her intentional mentorship and for consistently helping her student teacher understand the "why" behind each classroom activity. “Any student teacher who works with her,” wrote her nominator, “will enter their own classroom feeling confident and prepared.”
In her remarks, Hutto reflected on her own journey as an FSU intern 15 years ago and the lasting impact of her cooperating teacher and university supervisor. “I left my internship feeling confident and capable that I could impact student lives and learning in the positive way that had been modeled to me,” she said. “And I knew that I wanted to give back that support and be a sounding board for other young educators in the future.”
Tonya Givens of Swift Creek Middle School was honored for her deep commitment to her student teacher’s success—even beyond the classroom. She helped with interview prep, served as a reference, and continued to offer support after the internship ended. “She has told me time and time again that she’ll always be there for me,” her student wrote.
In her remarks, Givens expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to mentor aspiring educators and reflected on the lasting connections she’s made with each one. Since 2014, Givens has hosted eight FSU interns from the Social Science Education Program and all eight of them are still in the field of education today.
“Each one has left a lasting impact on me and the students they served,” she said. “I pray that I had a hand in instilling that motivation for these educators. While I hope that I’ve helped them along the way, they have certainly helped me too. To be recognized for something that has really brought so much meaning and joy to my career is truly rewarding. Each intern I’ve worked with has brought something different—new perspectives, a creative energy, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of our students. They’ve reminded me why I love teaching and how powerful it is to keep learning, adapting, and growing.”
Ryan Webb of Florida State University Schools was selected for the high school award but was unable to attend. His nominator described him as “a fantastic teacher to both his students and myself” and praised his ability to model resilience and grace in the face of the demands of the profession.
Associate Clinical Professor Blake Tenore delivered Webb’s marks on his behalf, saying “I didn’t become a teacher for the accolades. I became a teacher because I believe in the power of education to transform lives, and every day, I get to live that dream — not only by teaching my students, but by mentoring the next generation of teachers who will carry this torch even further,” he shared. “It’s one thing to stand in front of a classroom and teach. It is another thing entirely to walk alongside future educators as they find their voice, their passion, and their purpose.”
School Leader Award
Dean Damon Andrew returned to the stage to present the School Leader Award, which honors administrators who help build bridges between schools and the university through mentorship, collaboration, and unwavering support.
Ilea Faircloth, a longtime administrator in Bay County currently at Hiland Park Elementary School, was recognized for fostering a welcoming and supportive school environment. Her nominator noted her efforts to mentor not only preservice teachers but also paraprofessionals and school staff pursuing their own paths in education.
Faircloth, herself a two-time FSU graduate, shared how special the partnership with her alma mater has been to her. “Watching these bright, passionate individuals grow from eager interns into confident, capable teachers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my own career,” she said. “Our collaboration has enriched our entire school community and inspired those on my staff to go back into the classroom themselves, to become educators.”
Meredith Higgins District Partner Award
The final award of the evening—the Meredith Higgins District Partner Award—is named for the late Meredith Higgins, former director of student teaching at Anne’s College. This award honors individuals who exemplify her passion, positivity, and dedication to partnership-building.
This year’s recipient, Suzanne Wilkinson of Florida State University Schools, was praised for her mentorship, her support of FSU student teachers, and her uplifting presence. “She always has a smile on her face and is ready to roll up her sleeves at a moment’s notice,” said Dean Andrew. “We know how much she cared about Meredith—and we know Meredith is smiling down as Suzanne accepts this award.”
Wilkinson’s remarks were an emotional tribute to her colleague and friend.
“Meredith had this incredible mix of intelligence, humor, and warmth that made you feel like everything was going to be okay, even in the most chaotic moments,” Wilkinson said. “She believed in the power of mentorship, and she carried herself with a deep respect for the teaching profession. Working with educators and helping guide interns in this beautiful, complicated, and meaningful profession is really what fills my cup. Every time I sit down with an intern, whether they're nervous or unsure or just finding their footing, I think of Meredith and the way she made people feel cared for. If I can help even one future teacher feel seen, supported, or inspired the way Meredith inspired others, I know I’m doing work that matters.”
Dean Andrew closed the event by thanking all educators in attendance, with a reminder that while only six awards are handed out each year, every cooperating teacher and school leader who works with FSU students plays a vital role in the future of education in Florida.
“Our students see you as winners. And tonight, so do we,” he said before extending a special thank you to event sponsors Envision Credit Union and the Foundation for Leon County Schools.
