Awards & Recognition

2026-2027 SCCPTA Annual Awards

Introduction

The Seminole County Council PTA Annual Awards recognize outstanding programs, local PTA/PTSA units, volunteers, leaders, students, educators and community partners whose work strengthens our schools and helps every child shine.

Annual award applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Mar 12, 2027. Before applying, review the general eligibility and submission guidelines and the judging rubric for the selected award. Unit of the Month applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

View Eligibility & Submission Guidelines

Unit of the Month

The SCCPTA Unit of the Month program recognizes local units for outstanding participation, engagement, programs, leadership, advocacy, or other work that makes a positive difference for students, families and school communities.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, and two schools are selected each month.

Apply for Unit of the Month

SCCPTA Star Awards

The Star Awards recognize local units as they complete established engagement, leadership and participation milestones throughout the year.

AWARD

Recognizes local units as they complete engagement, leadership, and participation milestones throughout the year. Units may edit their Google form response as additional stars are earned.

TO APPLY

Submit an Application

JUDGING CRITERIA

View Star Information

SCCPTA Program Awards

Program Awards recognize outstanding PTA/PTSA programs and initiatives that make a meaningful impact on students, families, schools and communities.

AWARD	TO APPLY	JUDGING CRITERIA
Constellation Connections Award Recognizes a PTA/PTSA that creates meaningful opportunities for families to connect with their school community, strengthening relationships, belonging, and partnerships that support student success.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Nebula Award Recognizes a PTA/PTSA that prioritizes student wellness through programs supporting physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being in a safe and supportive school environment.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Orion Award Recognizes outstanding programs that inspire learning and support student achievement through literacy, STEM, arts education, academic enrichment, or other opportunities that help students grow and thrive.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Supernova Award Recognizes bold, creative ideas that address challenges, engage families, or enhance the school community in new and impactful ways. Innovation does not have to involve technology, substantial funding, or a completely new idea.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric

Local Unit Awards

Local Unit Awards recognize PTAs and PTSAs for exceptional leadership, engagement, advocacy and overall achievement throughout the year.

AWARD	TO APPLY	JUDGING CRITERIA
Beacon Award Recognizes outstanding communication strategies that keep families informed, engaged, and connected through clear, consistent, accessible, and innovative information sharing	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Eclipse Award Recognizes a PTA/PTSA that intentionally connects with individuals, caregivers, or community members who have been underrepresented, uninvolved, or may need different opportunities to participate.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Every Child Shines Award Recognizes the local PTA/PTSA that best brings Connecting with Purpose—Every Child Shines to life through student voice, meaningful connections, reduced barriers, and welcoming opportunities for children and families.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Galaxy Award Recognizes intentional strategies for membership recruitment, retention, and meaningful engagement. Selection is based on the unit’s approach and results—not simply the largest membership total.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Guiding Light Award Recognizes advocacy that elevates the voices and needs of children, families, and schools and advances positive change. A legislative victory is not required; awareness, conversation, support, response, or progress may demonstrate success.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Orbit Award Recognizes outstanding collaboration among PTA/PTSA, school staff, students, families, and community partners that creates meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for students.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Rising Star Award Recognizes a PTA/PTSA that has demonstrated significant growth, improvement, revitalization, or momentum during the school year.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Shooting Star Award Recognizes a unit that empowers students to participate, lead, serve, contribute meaningfully, and influence decision-making through authentic student voice and engagement.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric

Individual & Community Partner Awards

Individual Awards recognize exceptional volunteers, leaders, educators, students and community partners whose service and dedication make a meaningful difference for children, families and schools.

AWARD	TO APPLY	JUDGING CRITERIA
Celestial Partner Award Recognizes a school employee who exemplifies family-school partnership through collaboration, encouragement, responsiveness, and support, helping students and families thrive.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Comet Award Recognizes a non-instructional or non-administrative school employee whose significant contributions often occur behind the scenes, such as a secretary, paraprofessional, custodian, cafeteria employee, or bus driver.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Expanding Horizons Award Recognizes a business, organization, community member, or paid vendor whose partnership goes beyond a financial transaction and makes a meaningful difference for students and schools.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Legacy Leadership Award Recognizes a seasoned PTA/PTSA leader with five or more cumulative years of service whose mentorship and commitment to developing others have strengthened PTA leadership and future success.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
North Star Award Recognizes an exceptional PTA/PTSA board leader, appointed program chair, or student whose vision, dedication, and commitment inspire others. One adult and one student will be recognized.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric
Starlight Volunteer Award Recognizes a hands-on PTA volunteer who is not serving on the executive board, board of directors, or as a committee or task chair and demonstrates extraordinary commitment, service, and generosity.	Submit an Application	View Judging Rubric

General Eligibility & Submission Guidelines

Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Mar 12, 2027

Download or Print the Guidelines PDF

Eligibility

Any member of a local PTA/PTSA in good standing may submit an application or nomination.
Eligible activity must occur between Apr 1, 2026, and Mar 12, 2027. Work still underway may be submitted if enough has been completed to fully answer the questions.
The local unit must be in good standing with Florida PTA and SCCPTA on Mar 12, 2027.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Application & Blind Judging

Applications must be submitted through the Google Form on the SCCPTA website.
Program and Local Unit Award narratives and supporting materials must not identify the PTA/PTSA or school by name, logo, mascot, or other identifying information.
Individual Recognition applications identify the nominee only in the requested contact fields. Do not identify the nominee, school, or organization in narrative responses or supporting materials.
Protect student and family privacy. Do not include individuals' full names or other personally identifying information.

Supporting Materials

Up to three optional supporting items may be included. Each item must be submitted as a separate PDF and must follow the blind-judging requirements above with no identifying information.
Supporting items do not replace complete application answers.
Supporting items may be uploaded through the form or emailed to [email protected] by the deadline. Include the award name and PTA/PTSA name in the email subject line.

Before You Submit

Answer every required question, stay within each word limit, and review the judging rubric.
After submitting, confirm that you received the automatic Google Forms receipt and save or print a copy. If no confirmation arrives, contact SCCPTA Awards and Recognition Chair before the deadline.
Clear, specific answers matter more than length or professional writing. Feedback, observations, stories, participation information, progress, and lessons learned may all demonstrate impact.

Questions or Assistance
Jami Ginn, SCCPTA Awards & Recognition Chair
[email protected]

2025-2026 SCCPTA AWARDS

Illuminating Impact: Every Day Heroes Light the Way

The Seminole County Council PTA proudly celebrated the remarkable individuals and local PTA/PTSA units that make a difference in the lives of students, families, educators, and communities through our 2025–2026 Illuminating Impact: Every Day Heroes Light the Way Awards Ceremony.

Inspired by the 2025-2026 year’s theme of connection, purpose, and service, the event recognized the countless volunteers, leaders, educators, advocates, and community partners whose dedication helps every child shine. Throughout the evening, we honored local units for innovative programs, meaningful outreach efforts, successful initiatives, and the lasting impact they have made within their schools and communities.

From supporting student achievement and family engagement to championing advocacy, inclusion, and volunteerism, each honoree demonstrated the power of PTA’s mission in action. Their work serves as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with ordinary people choosing to do extraordinary things for others.
The ceremony was also an opportunity to celebrate the collective accomplishments of our PTA community, reflect on a year of service, and recognize the passion, creativity, and commitment that continue to strengthen Seminole County schools.

We are grateful to all of our award recipients, nominees, local units, and community supporters. Together, they illuminate pathways to success, inspire future leaders, and help ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Because when dedicated people come together with purpose, their impact shines far beyond a single school—it lights the way for an entire community.

2025-2026 Award Winners

Family Engagement Champions Award: Outstanding Family Engagement Programs
Elementary: English Estates, Kindness Club
Middle/High: Lake Howell, Winter Arts Festival

Academic Avengers Award: Outstanding Academic Enrichment & Support Programs
Partin Elementary, Storybook Adventure Fest

Innovation Heroes Award
Elementary: Partin, Resiliency Packs
Middle/High: Hagerty, STAY

Voices for Change Award: Outstanding Advocacy
Elementary: Sterling Park
Middle/High: Lake Howell

Award for Communications Excellence (ACE)
Elementary: Partin
Middle/High: Hagerty

Supermen Award: Outstanding Male Engagement
Longwood Elementary

Future Heroes Award for Outstanding Student Engagement
MIddle: Indian Trails High: Oviedo

United for the Mission Award
Crystal Lake Elementary

Membership Champions Award: Celebrating Outstanding Achievement in Membership Highest Total Membership
Elementary: Carillon
Middle: Indian Trails
High: Winter Springs

Membership: Highest % Growth
Elementary: Longwood
Middle: Millenium
High: Seminole

Neighborhood Hero of the Year: Outstanding Community/Business Partner*Community Partner:
Pastor Jason Alvarado, Faith Assembly Red Bug Lake Campus

Business Partner: Donut NV

Volunteer Hero of the Year
Candy Turner, Winter Springs HS

Rising Hero of the Year
Student winner: Alexander Caswell, SCCPTA
Adult winner: Rochelle Royal, English Estates

Power of Partnership: Administrator/Faculty Member of the Year
Elementary: Fay Rovira, Sterling Park
Middle/High: Pete Gaffney, Winter Springs HS

Not Every Hero Wears a Cape Award: Non-Instructional Staff Member of the Year
Mike Roberts, Partin

Unsung Hero Award: Excellence in Leadership
Susan Molsberger, Lake Mary HS