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.

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There are four Bright Futures award levels, each with its own eligibility criteria and benefits:

• Florida Academic Scholars (FAS): Covers 100% of tuition and applicable fees. 
• Florida Medallion Scholars (FMS): Covers 75% of tuition and applicable fees. 
• Gold Seal Vocational Scholars (GSV): Supports students pursuing career certificates, technical degrees, or applied technology diplomas.
• Gold Seal CAPE Scholars (GSC): Supports students who complete a CAPE associate degree and continue toward a bachelor’s degree in science or applied science. 

While Bright Futures covers a set percentage of tuition at Florida’s public colleges and universities, students attending private institutions receive a fixed dollar amount per credit hour instead.
Each award level has specific GPA, coursework, and test score requirements. The full breakdown is available in the Bright Futures Student Handbook at floridabrightfutures.gov.

Students apply for Bright Futures their senior year of high school by submitting the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA), typically available Oct. 1. The deadline to complete the application is Aug. 31 of a student’s graduating year. For the Class of 2026, that means submitting a completed FFAA no later than Aug. 31, 2026.

All Bright Futures award levels require either volunteer service hours, paid work hours, or a combination. In Collier County Public Schools, students may choose where they would like to volunteer but must have the organization approved by the school district in advance.

After selecting and getting approval for an organization, students submit a proposal signed by a parent or guardian and the school counselor and track their hours (or upload pay stubs, if they are working) through the Service Hours app. Students may begin accumulating volunteer/work hours as early as freshman year of high school.

While most requirements must be met by graduation, students have until Aug. 31 of their graduation year to meet the ACT, CLT, SAT, or PERT score minimums.

Once awarded, Bright Futures funds are sent directly to the college or institution the student is attending. As long as the student maintains the renewal requirements (like GPA and credit hours), the scholarship automatically renews each year, up to the program limit.

While the requirements may seem overwhelming at first, the Bright Futures program rewards consistency and effort.

Start the conversation early, track progress often, and don’t be afraid to reach out to school counselors for guidance.

With some planning and persistence, this scholarship can make college or career education in Florida significantly more affordable.

Additional Resources

Local Scholarships Often Go Unclaimed in Collier and Lee Counties

$20,000 Scholarship Applications Now Open for Collier County Seniors

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At the elementary level, first graders participate in The Shelter’s Hands are for Helping, Not for Hurting prevention program. Through engaging story times and interactive activities, children learn non-aggressive ways to express anger and other emotions. They also discover positive ways to use their hands while focusing on kindness, cooperation, and helping others.

In middle school, the Healthy Friendships program helps seventh- and eighth-grade students recognize the difference between healthy and unhealthy traits in friendships, establish boundaries, and understand how to respond if they experience bullying. Students leave with practical tools to build respectful peer relationships and take a stand against mistreatment.

At the high school level, students participating in HOPE (Health Orientation through Physical Education) courses also experience the Healthy Relationships program. These lessons equip teens to identify warning signs of unhealthy behavior, set clear boundaries, and seek help if needed. The goal is to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to build supportive, respectful relationships as they transition into adulthood.

By introducing these programs, Collier County Public Schools and The Shelter for Abused Women & Children are equipping students with age-appropriate tools to develop empathy, respect, and healthy boundaries. This ongoing partnership not only raises awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month but also nurtures safer schools and stronger communities year-round while helping our children grow into compassionate, empowered adults.

For a list of domestic violence resources in Southwest Florida, go HERE

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The Role of Communication in Emergencies

Effective emergency communication is about more than simply relaying facts—it’s about providing comfort and reassurance. For serious matters, such as air conditioning outages or arrests on school campuses, parents will often receive a phone message and/or email from the school principal.

In a critical situation, such as a school lockdown, speed and clarity are essential. Families will receive a text message within moments of an incident being confirmed. Updates will continue to be provided throughout the event. Even a brief message that says, “CCPS is aware of the current lockdown at your school. Please remain calm. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is investigating at this time,” lets parents know we are engaged, responsive, and committed to their child’s safety.

Staying Ahead During Hurricane Season

Now that we are in peak hurricane season, weather events often disrupt school operations. CCPS relies on updates from the National Weather Service in Miami and remains in constant communication with Collier County Emergency Management.

In the event of a weather emergency, CCPS uses every communication channel at its disposal to reach people quickly and reliably: text, email, phone, social media, district and school websites, and local news outlets. These tools work together so that a parent who misses a phone call can find the same information in their email or on social media. Depending on the situation, messages may include what is happening, what actions are being taken, and when families can expect another update.

Be Prepared

Trust doesn’t start in the middle of an emergency—it begins well before. Effective emergency communication is a two-way street. While CCPS is committed to providing timely and accurate updates, we encourage families to ensure their contact information is current to receive information. At the start of each school year, we ask parents and guardians to complete an Emergency Information Form by logging into the CCPS Portal and visiting Focus. The form ensures we are able to reach our families should an emergency arise.

Our goal is simple. We want families to know they can trust CCPS to keep them informed every step of the way, so that they can focus on what matters most—the safety of their loved ones.

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“The most exciting part about opening a new school is the incredible opportunity to shape something truly special from the ground up,” shared Principal Margaux Horne. “It’s about bringing together passionate educators and staff who share a vision and are energized by the chance to innovate and collaborate. From day one, we’re creating a culture rooted in trust, creativity, and shared purpose.”

Located in North Naples on Immokalee Road at Moulder Drive, the 22-acre site was acquired in 2006 in lieu of impact fees—a strategic investment that helps the district remain fiscally responsible by paying up front for future growth and avoiding debt.

Bear Creek Elementary will help relieve overcrowding at Laurel Oak Elementary and meet growing demand in the Corkscrew Elementary attendance area. It will become CCPS’s 32nd elementary school, opening with an initial enrollment of approximately 550 students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, with the capacity to serve up to 1,000.

The school is conveniently situated about three miles east of the Collier Boulevard/951 intersection and 2.5 miles west of Wilson Boulevard, near the Heritage Bay community and directly across from Bonita Bay’s Cypress golf course.

For Principal Horne, establishing new traditions is one of the most meaningful parts of launching a school. “Whether it’s our first school song, a unique celebration, or a community service day, these moments become the heartbeat of our school. They’re the memories that last and the traditions that define us.”

Horne emphasized that the school culture will be built around shared leadership, student well-being, and academic excellence. “Safety—both emotional and physical—is a top priority,” she said. “We’re creating a space where students feel secure, respected, and supported, because meaningful learning happens only when children feel safe and valued.”

At the core of Bear Creek’s mission is a commitment to high-quality instruction. “We’re focused on delivering rigorous, engaging learning experiences tailored to meet the needs of every student. This is a school where collaboration, care, and excellence come together to create a vibrant, student-centered community.”

But more than anything, Horne is inspired by the opportunity to build strong relationships. “It’s about forging connections with families, students, and local partners—and creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.”

To that end, the school is currently looking for community partners to help empower its student leaders, fund exciting educational field trips, and provide enriching materials and supplies that enhance learning. In return, sponsors will receive advertising opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact. Those interested should contact Horne at hornem@collierschools.com.

“There’s a unique sense of hope and possibility in every new beginning and being part of that journey is both a privilege and a joy,” she said.

To learn more about Bear Creek, visit www.collierschools.com/bearcreek and follow on Facebook @ccpsbcr.

Photos from Ribbon Cutting at Bear Creek Elementary School

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Collier County Public Schools is proud to announce that the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has selected Juliana Noreus as one of only 70 graduating high school seniors across the United States to receive the prestigious Cooke College Scholarship. This highly competitive program aims to help students who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability, leadership, and persistence attend top universities and avoid student debt. The award can be worth up to $55,000 per year for a student working toward a bachelor’s degree at any accredited undergraduate institution in the United States.

“Juliana is an impressive young woman who has earned multiple community scholarships,” said LHS Principal Jennifer Bledsoe. “In addition to excelling in a rigorous academic program, Juliana has made significant contributions to our JROTC program and earned varsity letters in weightlifting. She also served in several leadership roles in various academic clubs and teams here on campus and actively pursued summer learning opportunities at several universities.”

The 2025 Cooke College Scholars come from 29 states plus the District of Columbia and American Samoa. The full list of 2025 Cooke College Scholars, including their high schools and states, can be found here: www.jkcf.org/our-stories/2025-college
scholarship-finalists.

As we celebrate 25 years of work as a Foundation, we are proud to expand our commitment by supporting 70 students this year,” said Seppy Basili, executive director of the Cooke Foundation. “This increase reflects not only the quality of applications we received, but also our response to the growing financial barriers facing talented students with financial need.”

Beyond financial support, Cooke Scholars receive comprehensive academic coaching, graduate school and career advising, opportunities for internships and study abroad, and access to the network of fellow scholars and alumni. Scholars are also eligible to apply for graduate school funding after completing their undergraduate degrees.

Looking ahead, Juliana’s journey will take her to New York City, where she will begin her studies at Columbia University this fall. We wish her all the best as she embarks on this exciting new
chapter. Congratulations to Juliana and the entire Class of 2025!

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“They are Patriots; we are Patriots, which is why we decided to name it Pats to PATS,” explained Principal Ellen Keegan. “We put it in lower case to signify the little Pats (kindergartners) and uppercase to signify the big PATS (seniors).”

The brainchild of ARH Athletics Coordinator Ted Parsons, Pats to PATS is an informal but emotionally charged ritual where graduating seniors “pass the torch” (or lanyards in this case) to their kindergarten counterparts on the 50-yard line of the ARH football field, symbolizing the journey from kindergarten to senior year.

This year’s event included a unique family connection between brother and sister. Senior Sean Adamczyk will be graduating from ARH this May and heading to Florida State University in the fall. His sister, Maddie, is just beginning her academic adventure at VME as a kindergarten student. 

“It’s been amazing just seeing Sean grow through his time here,” said Sean’s mom, Pam Baker, who attended the inaugural event this year. “We’re so proud of him as a senior and are able to show Maddie what he’s accomplished. She was just so excited to come today to see her big brother. They have a special bond, so we’re happy to be a part of that and see it.”

A simple yet powerful moment of connection, community, and tradition, Pats to PATS is sure to inspire the students of both schools for many years to come. The road may be the same, but the journey ahead for each student is just beginning. 

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Collier County Public Schools teamed up with Florida Gulf Coast University about five years ago to bring ROCK into our schools. FGCU already had a ROCK Center on its campus and agreed to allow its students to apply their learning in the community by teaching our local school children the core values of compassion, kindness, and empathy. Pine Ridge Middle School joined the ROCK movement last school year.

“It’s something I really believe in,” explains PRMS school counselor Pamela Schram. “I really feel like if we give

students the power and the okay to be kind, that they’re going to follow it.”

Scott Peacock is an eighth grade student and member of ROCK at PRMS. “I wanted to get involved with the ROCK team because I really want to try and promote more kindness and compassion throughout the school and our district as a whole. If I’m walking the school hallways, I like to help out kids who don’t know where they are going, or just need help, or just need to sit with someone at lunch.” 

Jose Miguel, another ROCK member at PRMS, shares Scott’s enthusiasm for the program. “Every day I come to school and try to be the best I can to everyone. All of my teachers have told me I’m a pretty good person, that I have good character, which is why I like to spread kindness and happiness around our school.”

Schram says it’s making a difference. “The other day at lunch, I had a boy sitting by himself and I had a group of eighth grade boys sitting nearby. They got up and went over and began talking to the boy who was alone. The next day, he was by himself again. That same group of boys said, ‘Hey, come over here and sit with us.’ So that boy got up and went over and sat with them. It was so beautiful to see students acting like that and trying to help out other kids. That’s what we’re all about.”  

“I really think this is a great thing that we’ve got going here,” adds Peacock. “I’m moving up [to high school], but I want to try and pass it on and keep doing something good with it.” 

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“It’s a lot of hours during the week, but it’s also so rewarding,” said Savannah Toro, a senior at Naples High School and current drum major for the Golden Eagles. “We learn the basics—fundamentals 101—like how to march, how to make images on the field, and how to play songs.”

Junior Saeanna Feuer, also a drum major for NHS, admits the heat can be a struggle but says camp has been great so far. “It takes students with grit and perseverance because you have to keep coming back with a good attitude every day.”

We caught up with the new band director at NHS, Vincent Laz, on a hot, sunny day in August, to talk about his plans and the commitment it takes to develop his current marching band of 60+ students.

“I’m excited to have this opportunity,” Laz shared. “My goal is to grow the band, bring back some of its traditions, and have the kids see as much success as possible.”

Laz is no stranger to the Golden Eagles’ marching band. He graduated from NHS in 2018 and played both the trumpet and the French horn in the band he now leads. “I really want the hard work and the legacy of the kids to add to the previous respect the band has had for decades.”

He’s supported by a dedicated band booster program. “We’re the roadies to the band,” explained Deanna Bickford, a parent who has volunteered on and off since 2004. “We do everything we can to make Vincent’s life easier, so he can focus on the music and his students.”

This year, Bickford is helping fit the band for new uniforms, but the group also organizes volunteers, works in concessions, helps with logistics, serves as chaperones, and makes sure that everyone has everything they need at all times, such as feathers in hats and ponchos in the rain. “I like working with the kids,” Bickford added. “That’s where I find joy.”

It’s also where you find family. Band members get to know each other before the school year even begins, which allows them to build friendships and a strong support network. “All three of my boys were in band; all of their best friends were in band,” said Bickford. “It was a way to connect, stay busy; but you’re not just staying busy, you’re doing something for the school.”

“My favorite part about band is when you are playing your music, and making connections at the same time,” Feuer said. “You make connections through music, with the music, and with other people making music.”

“Band is the perfect gateway into high school,” said Toro. “If you don’t know anybody, join band. You’ll find a person that you’ll love, you’ll learn so many life skills, and you’ll find something for you. There’s a place for everybody.”

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