Coral Springs students and staff members receive top honors at the annual Broward County Public Schools character awards ceremony
Coral Springs, Florida – A group of students and one dedicated staff member from Coral Springs were among those honored Thursday evening at the 25th Annual Kids and Staff of Character Awards, held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Hosted by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), the ceremony highlighted the importance of character education by celebrating individuals who embody the district’s eight core character traits: cooperation, responsibility, citizenship, kindness, respect, honesty, self-control, and tolerance. Organized by the BCPS Mental Health Services Department, the event serves as a reminder of how values-driven behavior contributes to a safe, inclusive, and respectful school culture.
Representing Coral Springs this year were five honorees selected for their outstanding example of integrity and leadership in their respective schools. The students recognized included Reina Wong from Coral Glades High School, Abigail Potts from Coral Springs Middle School, Addelyn Davidoff from Maplewood Elementary School, and Aviana Ortiz from Park Springs Elementary School. Each of these students was chosen for consistently demonstrating strong moral character both inside and outside the classroom.
Also honored was Veronica Melei, a staff member at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, who was acknowledged for her continued efforts in promoting and modeling positive values within her school community.
The awards ceremony, which began at 7 p.m. in the Amaturo Theater, recognized a total of 50 students and 20 staff members from across Broward County. Each recipient was selected through a nomination process that considered daily behavior, peer influence, and a commitment to school and community well-being.
“This annual event is about more than just recognition,” a district spokesperson said. “It’s about reinforcing the values that shape who we are as a school system and as a community.”
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The event is made possible through the support of several partners, including the Broward Education Foundation, J.M. Family, and the Hanley Foundation. Their contributions help ensure that character education remains a central focus in Broward schools, supporting student growth not only academically, but ethically.
As Broward County continues to emphasize mental health awareness and social-emotional learning, programs like the Character Awards spotlight the ongoing effort to raise a generation that values integrity and empathy as much as academic achievement.
For Coral Springs, this recognition reflects the dedication of students and staff who choose every day to lead by example and serve as role models for what strong character can accomplish.
