Miami-Dade Teacher Myrna Betancourt Presented Special Award at 2015 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Awards Gala
ORLANDO, FL – JULY 10, 2014 – Miami-Dade County’s 2015 Teacher of the Year Myrna Betancourt, an adult vocational teacher and chef with South Dade Education Center, was surprised with the Magic of Giving Award at tonight’s 2015 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year awards gala at the Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios Orlando. The award, new this year, was presented to Ms. Betancourt by Lee O’Rourke, Macy’s District Vice President for Northern Florida.
“Teaching our students to actively participate in giving back at an early age is key to creating a better society,” said Ms. O’Rourke during tonight’s awards ceremony. “When a teacher is capable of doing that, plus combining learning and fun, education and caring, you know you have come across a very special individual. Myrna Betancourt is that person.”
Ms. Betancourt was selected for the Magic of Giving award as a teacher with a unique ability to create positive change in the community. She was presented with a crystal star trophy and a $1,000 Macy’s gift card.
Ms. Betancourt has been leading what is considered one of Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ most successful vocation programs for the past six years. As an adult/vocational teacher-chef, her kitchen is in the Chapman Partnership Homeless Center in Homestead. Her students range in ages from 16 to 50, many of whom are disadvantaged, homeless and seeking a second chance.
Chef Betancourt created “Café Du Jour” to give her students world class and hands-on training in culinary arts and hospitality. Her students are engaged in many local competitions and catering events to develop their skills and provide them with opportunities to network with potential employers. But her impact is felt far beyond the school grounds – she also teaches the homeless, as well as special needs students, from Homestead Job Corps.
When Ms. Betancourt was a teenager living in Puerto Rico, she wanted “to help people in need,” so she became a social worker and left the island for Chicago. After 22 years of social work, she reinvented herself and went back to school to become a chef. When her family moved to Miami, Chef Betancourt found her way into the classroom at South Dade Educational Center where she expanded the school’s culinary arts program to adult education.
During the award presentation, O’Rourke quoted one of Ms. Betancourt’s students, Kenneth Brown: ”We thank God for having such an inspiring person around us. There is no other teacher who cares as much for her students as she does. She welcomes us into her heart, even under the most difficult of circumstances. She puts us first, empowers us and helps us to maintain our focus on what is truly important.”
Also announced this evening is the 2015 Macy’s/Florida Teacher of the Year, Christie Bassett, K-12 Art Teacher of Highlands Grove Elementary School in Polk County. Hundreds of teachers, school administrators, and state education leaders, along with families and friends, were in attendance at the gala event, hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Deborah Norville. She was joined by First Lady Ann Scott; Darlene Hanes, Macy’s Executive Vice President, Regional Director of Stores; and Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart for the announcement.
This marks the 26th year of Macy’s sponsorship of the Florida Teacher of the Year program. Macy’s presented Christie Bassett with a check totaling $10,000, a $1,000 wardrobe, a $1,000 check for her school and an all-expense paid trip for four to New York City to attend this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. For the past 26 years, Macy’s has annually contributed $100,000 to the state-run Teacher of the Year program, making it one of the largest corporate cash contributions to Florida public schools. To date, Macy’s has contributed more than $2.5 million to teachers throughout the state.
During the awards ceremony, 67 district winners, including Ms. Betancourt, were recognized and each received $750 from Macy’s, plus $250 for programs at their respective schools.
About Florida Department of Education
The Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year is chosen from more than 189,000 public school teachers by a selection committee comprised of teachers, principals, parents, and the business community. Florida’s top educator is selected on the basis of their outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and exceptional school and community service. The winner must also show a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.
About Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy’s Foundation, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
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PHOTO CAPTION: Myrna Betancourt from South Dade Educational Center in Miami-Dade County receives the Magic of Giving Award at the 2015 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Awards Gala on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at the Hard Rock Live in Orlando, FL. She received the award from Lee O’Rourke, Macy’s District Vice President for Northern Florida.
*Photo credit Phelan Ebenhack of Macy’s*