HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Every year, Local 10’s Tribute to Teachers campaign recognizes the best educators in South Florida, with only five honorees selected from hundreds of nominations.
They say it is extremely rare to find a natural pearl, with only one in 10,000 wild oysters yielding one. Local 10’s Community Relations Director found one at Leisure City K-8 Center in Homestead.
Charlotte Brown is a Kindergarten teacher has taught in the same school and the same classroom for half a century.
Brown’s lessons impacted now college junior, Ziana Deliz. She was one of her students nearly 15 years ago.
“She was one of the first teachers that would fully encourage me to keep going and I would invite her to big events in my life as well, so she was always there for me. She gave enough to let us know that she had our back. She was almost like a second mom in the classroom,” said Deliz.
In the same classroom, David Clayton met Brown more than 30 years ago.
“In my mind and my heart, I love Ms. Brown, and I will forever love Ms. Brown,” said Clayton.
Love is never in short supply in Brown’s classroom. Walter Hall, Principal of Leisure City K-8, says she is an amazing person, and her students are always prepared academically for the schoolwork to come.
“When our kids come out of kindergarten, they are not only ready for first grade, but for 2,3,4,5, and beyond. She is an amazing person,” said Hall.
Principal Hall and his staff worked behind the scenes to plan a special surprise to celebrate Brown.
In addition to being recognized, Publix Super Markets’ Media Relations Manager Robyn Hankerson Printemps was with us to present Brown with a gift.
“On behalf of Publix Super Markets, we want to make today a little more special for you. So, we want to present you with $1,000 in Publix gift cards,” said Printemps.
Former student, Jarvis Penerton, works at the school also participated in the celebration from Brown. He said seeing her every day is a blessing.
“When I first got back, it was amazing that she was still here teaching, and I’ve been here three years, and she hasn’t changed a bit. Every day it’s a blessing to tell her good morning,” said Penerton.
Brown told Local 10 has no plans to retire anytime soon. That’s good news for all the little ones starting Kindergarten next school year.
“This job is not a job. This is a calling on your life and when the Lord places you where you belong, you do as He says, and He guides your steps,” said Brown.
To see the stories of all the winners, click here.
All of the winning teachers will be introduced each day this week during Local 10’s 5:30 p.m. newscast.
