CLASS NOTES

Volusia Council for Exceptional Children honors local educators, support staff

Two of the seven winners represented schools in the Ormond Beach area.

  • By Observer Staff
  • | 5:00 p.m. April 1, 2025
Maria Kostidakis, of Seabreeze High School (center) is recognized by the Volusia Council for Exceptional Children as the ESE Support Staff of the Year. Photo courtesy of Volusia County Schools/Facebook
Maria Kostidakis, of Seabreeze High School (center) is recognized by the Volusia Council for Exceptional Children as the ESE Support Staff of the Year. Photo courtesy of Volusia County Schools/Facebook
  • Ormond Beach Observer
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The Volusia Council for Exceptional Children celebrated seven individuals for their advocacy work at its annual awards banquet on Friday, March 28.

Two of the seven winners represented schools in the Ormond Beach area: Maria Kostidakis, of Seabreeze High School, and Emily Kris Light, of Ormond Beach Elementary. According to a Facebook post from Volusia County Schools, Kostidakis was recognized as the ESE Support Staff of the Year, and Light was recognized as the ESE Inclusion Teacher of the Year. 

"Whether you’re in the classroom or advocating in the community, the work you do makes a difference," VCS wrote on its post.

The banquet, held at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, was attended by Volusia County School Board members. 

The other winners recognized were:

  • ESE Parent of the Year — Monica Haynes, Creekside Middle School
  • ESE Administrator of the Year — Dr. Jennie Hughes, University High School Titans
  • ESE Paraprofessional of the Year — Zachary Camporese, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • ESE Rookie Teacher of the Year — Daisy Cordine, Timbercrest Elementary School
  • ESE Teacher of the Year — Clarybel Colon-Ortiz, Timbercrest Elementary School
Emily Kris Light, of Ormond Beach Elementary (center) is recognized by the Volusia Council for Exceptional Children as the ESE Inclusion Teacher of the Year. Photo courtesy of Volusia County Schools/Facebook

 

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