Destin High's LoCicero Named Charter School Champion for 2025!

Niceville, Florida, USA - In a remarkable celebration of dedication and achievement, Heidi LoCicero, a board member at Destin High School, has been honored as one of the Charter School Champions for the 2024-25 school year. This recognition, shared with Sean Gordon, a biology teacher at Collegiate High School Northwest Florida State College, was presented by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS). The awards highlight the contributions made by educators and leaders in charter schools, which are increasingly recognized for their innovative approaches to education.

LoCicero’s impact on Destin High School is particularly noteworthy. As a founding board member, she has played an instrumental role in the school’s growth from just 300 students to over 600 in just four years. Principal Diane Kelley commended LoCicero for her relentless efforts in navigating the challenges of establishing and managing a charter school, stating that her commitment has been vital to the school’s success. Destin High offers a mix of career academies and traditional college preparatory classes, serving students since the 2021-22 school year. In her acceptance of the award, LoCicero emphasized that it reflects the hard work of the entire governing board and co-founders, demonstrating a collective commitment to educational excellence.

Celebrating Excellence in Education

The awards were announced on June 5, 2024, recognizing the achievements and innovations throughout the 2023-2024 school year. Sixteen exemplary winners were honored in various categories, including teachers, governing board members, and school leaders. Under the large umbrella of categories, LoCicero and Gordon stood out, emphasizing the critical roles that educators and advocates play in Florida’s charter school community.

• Charter School Champions of the Year – Teachers:
  • Allison Hord, Nature Coast Middle School, Chiefland
  • Orietta Luna-Concepcion, Franklin Academy Sunrise Campus, Sunrise
  • Serena Richard, The Seaside School, Santa Rosa Beach
  • Eric Tuozzo, Mater Academy Miami Beach, Miami Beach
• Charter School Champions of the Year – School Leaders:
  • David Hull, Mason Classical Academy, Naples
  • Valerie Barreiro, Miami Arts Charter School, Miami
  • Diacris Cardoso, Franklin Academy Pembroke Pines, Pembroke Pines
  • Fayth Jenkins, Suncoast School for Innovative Studies, Sarasota
  • Wesley Locke, Spring Creek Charter School, Paisley
  • Patty Phillips, Palm Bay Education Group, Panama City
• Charter School Champions of the Year – Governing Board Members:
  • Jacob Fish, University Academy, Miramar Beach
  • Jennifer McCabe, Bay Haven Charter Academy, Panama City
  • Patrick McCarthy, The Seaside School, Santa Rosa Beach
  • Henry Lebaron “Barry” Preston, Suncoast School for Innovative Studies, Sarasota
  • Brian Schlang, Imagine Schools, Coral Springs
• Charter School Champions of the Year – Pioneer:
  • Dr. Rosa Lawson, Central Charter School, Lauderdale Lakes (Awarded Posthumously)

During the announcement, Robert Haag, President of FCPCS, articulated his pride in recognizing these outstanding individuals who contribute significantly to Florida’s charter school movement. “Each champion has demonstrated exceptional dedication and creativity in enhancing educational opportunities for students across the state,” he remarked, reinforcing the essence of the charter school ethos.

A Bright Future for Charter Schools

As charter schools in Florida continue to grow, they have become critical players in offering educational alternatives to traditional public schools. Charter schools are generally exempt from many statutory requirements applicable to public schools, yet they must still adhere to a framework that ensures accountability and quality. Key regulations include compliance with public records, meetings, and student health and welfare regulations, all designed to create a safe and effective learning environment.

Florida’s charter school system is designed to foster creativity and innovation in educational practices. For instance, schools can develop specific programs that cater to their student populations, all while complying with foundational rules regarding student assessments and the overall educational framework.

As we celebrate the achievements of individuals like LoCicero and Gordon, we look forward to the continued growth and evolution of charter schools in Florida, where there’s clearly much to be said for the collaborative drive toward quality education.