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.

The post Collier County Principal Award Changes a Student’s Future appeared first on SWFL Family.

Judged by University of Missouri School of Journalism faculty, the competition recognizes standout editorial, design, and digital work from parenting publications across the country. The PMA’s annual awards program honors excellence in family and parenting publications nationwide, and the Neapolitan Family team is proud to have been acknowledged among the best. The awards spanned editorial excellence, design, and digital, highlighting the publication’s service to parents and families in Southwest Florida.

PMA Awards Earned by Neapolitan Family

EDITORIAL AWARDS

• GOLD — Recurring Column: Kindness Corner — Andrea Stetson (author). Judges called the column “must-read content” with a local focus that “spotlights students doing acts of kindness or volunteering.”
• GOLD — Family Fun Article: 72 Days of Summer Fun! — Andrea Stetson (author), praised for “marvelous research” and inspiring family adventures all summer long. View it here.
• BRONZE — Family Matters Article: Silent Struggles: Opening Up About Menopause and Perimenopause — Andrea Stetson (author) recognized for topic choice and execution.
  View it here.

DESIGN AWARDS

• GOLD — Front Cover: Original Photo: March 2025 — Photography by Monica Alvarez; Jane MacNealy, designer, Stacy Nicolau, co-publisher, recognized for a “thoughtful photograph” and “color-coordinated and relevant teases.” View it here.
• BRONZE — Feature Layout: Confronting Cyberbullying: How to Identify, Prevent, and Respond Effectively — Jane MacNealy, designer, commended for luminous, conceptual design that amplifies a vital topic. View it here.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS

• SILVER — Website General Excellence: Neafamily.com, by Jane MacNealy and Stacy Nicolau,  was honored for a timely featured story experience, clear tagging, and local-focused coverage.

Now in their 25th year of print and digital publishing, Neapolitan Family covers the content parents use most: recurring columns, local family news and feature stories, activities guides, digital resources, and service features, demonstrating consistent quality across print and web for Collier County and Lee County families.

The post Neapolitan Family Wins Six Awards at 2025 Parenting Media Association Annual Conference appeared first on SWFL Family.

The PMA’s annual awards program honors the best in family and parenting publications nationwide, and Neapolitan Family is proud to have been acknowledged among the best. 

The winning categories and the judge’s comments: 

GOLD AWARDS: 

Publisher’s/Editor’s Note 

“From the Publisher”,  Stacy Nicolau, writer 

Judges’ Comments: “With clear and breezy writing, these columns invite readers to share in the common experiences of sending children off to college or watching Schoolhouse Rock. The writer creates an emotional connection with readers and also deftly connects to the magazine issue they’re holding in their hands.” 

Child Development & Parenting Article  

“Insta-Isolation”,  Andrea Stetson, writer, Leigh Ann Newman, copy editor 

Judges’ Comments: “The opening scene visually captures the ever-present lure of technology and the costs it imposes on children. Multiple interviews with young people resist turning the topic into a caricature, and experts close this well-sourced package with relevant scientific and historical context.” 

Special Series  

“Rad Dad Series”,  Anna Snyder, writer, Leigh Ann Newman, copy editor 

Judges’ Comments: “This series of short profiles gives readers a look into the lives of three local dads who are committed to their kids and communities in different ways. The writers provide telling details about the fathers. The writing is fast-paced and punchy.” 

SILVER AWARD: 

General Feature Writing  

“Preventing Gun Violence: How Schools are Keeping Kids Safe”,  Andrea Stetson, writer, Leigh Ann Newman, copy editor 

Judges’ Comments: “A strong dose of reality – how local kids are planning to escape a school shooter is how this writer grabs our attention. This piece is a great update on how area schools keep changing prevention and safety drills to keep one step ahead of gun violence. Well reported and written.” 

BRONZE AWARD: 

Special Section Design 

“2024 Camp Guide”, Jane MacNealy, designer  

Judges’ Comments: “The grid lists are well done with ages, dates, type and phone numbers. Type is large enough for easy reading. Color is also key for the labels and titles above the individual camp summaries. Type is clean, and the ragged right injects some needed white space. A nice touch is a color icon to designate camps that accommodate kids with special needs. A strong photo is played well to lead off the story on preparedness for parent and child. 

We are incredibly proud of our team’s achievements and grateful to the Parenting Media Association for recognizing the impactful work of Neapolitan Family. These accolades highlight our dedication to providing meaningful content that serves our community of parents and families in Southwest Florida. 

Thank you to our loyal readers for your continued support. We look forward to bringing you more award-winning content in the future! 

The post Neapolitan Family Receives Five Awards at the Parenting Media Association Annual Conference appeared first on SWFL Family.