FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – With decades of financial expertise and a long-standing commitment to education, Maria Lavin-Sanhudo has officially stepped into her new role as President of the Board of Directors for the Flagler County Education Foundation. She was sworn in during the organization’s annual dinner on Monday night, marking a significant milestone for both her and the foundation as it celebrates 35 years of service to the community.
A dedicated board member for many years, Lavin-Sanhudo has played a critical role in the foundation’s evolution—helping guide it through leadership transitions and supporting the Classroom to Careers flagship programs. She also chairs the foundation’s annual Mardi Gras gala, a key fundraiser for the Peter & Sue Freytag Take Stock In Children program.
“I’ve been on the board for many years, and the programs we support are incredibly fulfilling—not just for our students, but for our community and educators as well,” Lavin-Sanhudo said. “At the end of the day, our students are our future. I’m honored to work alongside Teresa [Rizzo] and the Foundation team to continue making a difference in their lives.”
The evening celebrated more than a leadership transition—it was a reflection on the foundation’s legacy and a look toward its promising future. Founding members Nancy Dance and John Gazzoli were in attendance and shared reflections on the organization’s origins at the invitation of Executive Director Teresa Rizzo.
“It was built on the shared belief that a strong public education system extends beyond the classroom,” said Dance, who served as Flagler School Board Chair when the foundation was established in 1990. “It takes all of us—parents, educators, business leaders, and community members—working together to ensure that no child is left behind due to lack of resources or opportunity. This is one of Flagler County’s greatest success stories.”
The event also highlighted the life-changing impact of the foundation’s programs. Keynote speaker Maykayla Buchanan, Director of Early Learning and Literacy at the Florida Chamber of Commerce, shared a powerful personal story about her father’s educational journey—and how teachers made all the difference.
“If we all keep showing up, keep saying yes, and keep asking what more we can do, this foundation will continue to be the force for good it’s always been,” Buchanan said.
That spirit of resilience and support was personified in the story of Aubrey, a 17-year-old student overcoming housing instability while working 35 hours a week. Rashawnda Lloyd-Miller, coordinator of the Families in Transition program, shared his inspiring journey from hardship to high school graduation, thanks to community support and programs like Chiumento CARES.
“He told me he wanted to graduate, and I was committed to helping him make that happen,” she said, earning a standing ovation. “I’m so excited to watch him walk across the stage on May 28th.”
In the 2024–25 school year, the Flagler County Education Foundation awarded 191 scholarships totaling $548,558, along with 44 teacher grants worth $69,915. An additional $38,436 was distributed through the Make It Happen program, and $59,234 went toward Classroom to Careers initiatives.
The evening concluded with the recognition of several key community partners and supporters.
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David Fowler of Alliance Financial was honored as the Make It Happen recipient.
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Michael Vasseur of Edward Jones received the Community Connection Award.
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Beaver Toyota was recognized for their ongoing support of the Beaver Toyota Fund-A-Project Teacher Grant Program.
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Chelsea Herbert was celebrated as this year’s Women in Philanthropy honoree.
Raising more than $85,000, ($94,000 updated) as the foundation looks to the future under Lavin-Sanhudo’s leadership, it remains deeply rooted in the belief that community-driven efforts can transform the lives of students—and in turn, shape the future of Flagler County.
