Oviedo's Own Officer Ashley Pierce Named Florida SRO of the Year!
Discover how Officer Ashley Pierce of Oviedo, Florida, was honored as Florida SRO of the Year for her impactful community initiatives.
Oviedo's Own Officer Ashley Pierce Named Florida SRO of the Year!
In the realm of education and community service, it’s essential to highlight the inspirational figures who truly make a difference. One such figure is Officer Ashley Pierce, a devoted School Resource Officer (SRO) at Lawton Chiles Middle School in Oviedo, Florida. With 16 years of service under her belt, Officer Pierce has been an integral part of the school community, working alongside her K9 partner, Xander. Recently, My News 13 reported that she was honored as Florida SRO of the Year by the Florida Association of School Resource Officers (FASRO). This prestigious accolade is awarded to those officers who demonstrate exceptional contributions to their communities.
Officer Pierce is not only a guardian of safety but also a nurturing figure for the students. She has spearheaded various initiatives aimed at enhancing student welfare, including a food pantry and holiday drives. The pantry, which focuses on providing breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for students to take home, has seen a transformation from being underutilized to a community favorite, especially during the festive season. She sought donations to fill the pantry and has coordinated an Angel Tree program that allows students to create wish lists comprising items they want, need, and books to read. Pierce expressed her gratitude for the community’s support in fulfilling these children’s wishes, particularly enjoying the heartfelt thank-you cards she receives from the students.
Educational Developments in Pembroke Pines
Meanwhile, in Pembroke Pines, an exciting new educational establishment is making waves. The Franklin Academy is a flourishing campus servicing the K-12 educational needs of residents in Broward County. Located at 5000 SW 207th Terrace, this impressive facility spans over 40 acres and boasts a remarkable 141,890 square feet of space dedicated to learning.
This well-equipped school features an array of classrooms, specialty rooms for music and art, numerous computer and science labs, and a large multipurpose room, fostering an environment rich in learning opportunities. Outside, students can enjoy an 8-lane running track, multiple sports fields, and a gymnasium complete with locker rooms—all designed to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
The curriculum at Franklin Academy is robust, with the middle school emphasizing core academic areas such as math, science, language arts, and social studies, while also integrating enrichment classes that focus on critical thinking. For high school students, the curriculum shifts towards college preparation, ensuring they are well-equipped for their future endeavors. The school encourages participation in extracurricular clubs and athletic activities, which not only foster personal growth but also enhance leadership skills necessary for college admission.
Staying Connected
Being a part of a school’s community extends beyond the classroom walls. Communication plays a pivotal role, and the principal of Franklin Academy sends weekly newsletters to parents via email, keeping them informed about important updates and events. For parents who may be missing out, they’re encouraged to ensure their information is up-to-date in the PowerSchool parent portal.
The local community deserves commendation for rallying together to support initiatives such as those led by Officer Pierce and the educational advancements at Franklin Academy. Truly, in the spirit of community and education, there’s something to be said for the combined efforts to uplift and nurture the young minds of tomorrow.