Outstanding leaders in education, business and the community, all alumni of Broward County Public Schools, were honored at the 2025 Hall of Fame Award Breakfast presented by Publix Super Markets Charities. The sold-out event was held at First Baptist Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, December 10.
In addition to receiving their awards at the breakfast, the 2025 honorees were commemorated with an engraved granite star on the BrightStar Credit Union “Walk of Fame” plaza at the Broward County Public Schools district office and recognized on the Wall of Fame in the lobby of the building.
“Our honorees are shining examples of the education students receive in Broward County Public Schools,” said Dustin Jacobs, board chair of Broward Education Foundation and vice president of marketing for BrightStar Credit Union. “Through our support of the Broward Education Foundation, we not only celebrate these outstanding individuals, we are also inspiring the next generation of leaders in our schools to continue following in the footsteps of present and past Hall of Fame Award recipients.”
The 2025 Broward Education Foundation Hall of Fame honorees included:
Broward Teachers Union Education Achievement Award recipients: Jennifer Andreu, Executive Director, Procurement & Logistic Operations, Broward County Public Schools – Plantation High School, Class of 1989; Melissa Holtz, Director, Elementary Learning, Broward County Public Schools – JP Taravella High School, Class of 1990; and Rosheika Rolle, Acting Principal, Charles Drew Elementary School – Miramar High School, Class of 2001
Community Achievement Award recipients: Terri-Ann Bennett, M.D, Chief of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Memorial Healthcare System – Blanche Ely High School, Class of 2002; Michael Lessne, Managing Partner, Lessne Hoffman PLLC – Nova High School, Class of 2001; and Lisa Rhodes Ryans, Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communication, AutoNation – McArthur High School, Class of 1995
The JM Family Enterprises Bravo! Award is presented to a graduate who has made a lasting mark in the community: Ryan Nash, Mechanical Contractor, William R. Nash, LLC – Nova High School, Class of 1991.
“Each year we recognize outstanding graduates of Broward County Public High Schools who embody the spirit of service and demonstrate how the investment in education can change lives and strengthen our community,” said James A. Knapp, President and CEO of Broward Education Foundation. “They are remarkable individuals who continue to have an impact throughout their career.”
For more Good News, read the GOOD NEWS January 2026 Issue at: https://digital.goodnewsfl.org/2026/january/