A Collier County principal award is bringing both recognition and opportunity to one local school community. Florida TaxWatch recently named Bev Budzynski, former principal of Village Oaks Elementary School, a winner of the 2025-26 Principal Leadership Award. The honor celebrates measurable student growth in high-risk public schools across Florida and comes with something even bigger for one child: a two-year college scholarship.
For families in Collier County Public Schools, the award is more than a headline. It is a reminder that strong leadership at school can shape a child’s daily experience, raise expectations and open doors far into the future.
Why does this Collier County principal award matter to families?
The Florida TaxWatch Principal Leadership Award recognizes 15 of Florida’s most successful principals from high-risk public schools. Winners are selected using weighted Florida Department of Education data, making this an award grounded in student performance and growth.
That data-driven approach is one reason Budzynski said the recognition feels especially meaningful. The award reflects the work of students, teachers and staff together, not just one person.
“I’m definitely humbled and honored to receive the award,” Budzynski said. “I’m competitive for kids, and that competitive nature in me is good because it makes us do the right thing and work a little harder and motivates the staff to work a little harder.”
- It highlights student growth, not just school reputation.
- It recognizes leadership in a high-risk public school setting.
- It shines a light on the teamwork behind school improvement.
- It creates a direct benefit for one student through a scholarship.
For parents, that last point may matter most. School awards can sometimes feel distant from day-to-day family life. This one leads to a real, immediate opportunity for a child.
How did Village Oaks Elementary earn this recognition?
Budzynski was recognized for her work leading Village Oaks Elementary School and helping transform the school’s culture and outcomes. She pointed to collaboration, planning and persistence as the drivers behind the school’s success.
“I love the process,” Budzynski said. “It wasn’t a nomination form. It’s all about the data, which speaks volumes to how our students worked so hard over the years, and our staff collaborated, planning and making sure we did whatever it takes to help our students be successful.”
That idea of “whatever it takes” is often what families notice first in a strong principal. It can show up in clearer communication, higher expectations, better support for teachers and a school climate where children feel seen.
Jeff Kottkamp, president and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, underscored the role principals play in student success. He noted that school leadership is second only to classroom instruction among school-related factors that affect learning. Good principals help good teachers do their best work.
- They set the tone for school culture.
- They support teachers and staff.
- They keep the focus on student growth.
- They help families trust the school community.
Village Oaks families have seen that leadership up close. Budzynski’s award reflects years of effort that reached beyond test scores and into the daily habits that help children thrive.
Who received the scholarship, and why was he chosen?
As part of the award, Florida TaxWatch partners with the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to provide a two-year college scholarship to one student at each winning principal’s school. At Village Oaks,
In collaboration with school leaders, Budzynski selected fifth-grade student Wilmer Gomez Domingo.
The choice was rooted in something every parent hopes to see in a child: ownership of learning. Budzynski said she has known Wilmer since kindergarten and has watched him consistently push himself.
“He’s one of those students who works hard and takes ownership of his learning,” Budzynski said. “Even the media specialist just said he came in to ask, ‘What else can I do? Can I have another book?’ So it’s that continual growth, looking at himself and saying, ‘What can I do better?’”
Wilmer’s response was simple and heartfelt. “I didn’t expect to win this because there are some other people, like a friend of mine, who is also like me,” he said. “I feel pretty good!”
This is the kind of school story families remember. Recognition for a principal becomes momentum for a student. A scholarship promise made in elementary school can shape how a child sees the future.
- It affirms hard work early.
- It gives a student a concrete college goal.
- It shows other children that effort gets noticed.
- It reminds families that opportunity can start young.
What can parents learn from this story?
Parents may not control school policy or statewide awards, but they do recognize the qualities that help children grow: encouragement, consistency, curiosity and high expectations. Wilmer’s story is a strong example of how those habits add up over time.
Families can reinforce the same mindset at home by praising effort, asking children what they want to improve and celebrating initiative. Progress often starts with small questions, like asking for another book or trying one more time.
There is also a bigger takeaway for Collier County families. When schools invest in leadership and student support, children benefit in visible ways. One award can spotlight an entire school community and remind parents that transformation is possible.
- Ask your child what they are proud of this week.
- Encourage them to set one small learning goal.
- Stay connected with your school principal and teachers.
- Look for local school resources and family opportunities.
To keep up with school-year planning, families can check the Collier County Public Schools calendar. For more programs and enrichment options, browse the Education Directory for Collier and Lee Counties and the latest CCPS Activities Guide.
What comes next for Bev Budzynski and Village Oaks?
Budzynski is now focused on opening Ave Maria Elementary School, but her impact at Village Oaks will continue. It lives in the data that earned statewide recognition, in the culture she helped build and in students like Wilmer, whose path to college now feels more real.
For Immokalee and greater Collier County, this moment is worth celebrating. It is a win for public education, a win for strong school leadership and a win for one child whose future just changed.