FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – Easily the biggest night of the year for teachers and staff of Flagler Schools, the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center at Flagler Auditorium was transformed into an otherworldly destination on Monday evening.

Dressed in the finest gowns, while family, friends and co-workers came decked out in fun gear to show their support for finalists from their schools, and cheer them on, the night was all about illuminating positivity.

Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore with 2025 Flagler Schools Teacher of the Year Brandy Anderson and Indian Trails Middle School Principal Ryan Andrews. (Flagler News Weekly)

Wadsworth Elementary School’s in-school suspension monitor Brande Martz was selected as the 2025 Employee of the Year, and WES Principal Amy Neuenfeldt was on hand to support her star staff member.

“It is absolutely amazing,” said Neuenfeldt.

“She is so deserving in all that she does for our kids in the Panther day. They are going to be so excited tomorrow. I can’t wait to make the announcement. They love her,” she said.

“I was shocked, nearly speechless,” admitted Martz. “I’m still speechless right now. I’m very blessed to work with my students and the administration every day.”

Wadsworth Elementary School Assistant Principal Cody Anderson, 2025 Flagler Schools Employee of the Year Brande Martz with Wadsworth Elementary School Principal Amy Neuenfeldt (right) and Wadsworth Elementary School Assistant Principal Robby Hallock. (Photo: Flagler News Weekly)

As the in-school suspension monitor, helping the students get back on track is especially important to her.

“Everyone has bad days, but we just turn it around. Making a difference in a child’s life is the best part, most rewarding part of the day.”

As fate would have it, another Brandy, Brandy Anderson from Indian Trails Middle School took home the 2025 Flagler Schools Teacher of the Year Award. Anderson expressed her gratitude for the recognition.

“It is just amazing. I was not expecting this,” said Anderson. “It’s a complete honor. I’ve wanted to be a teacher my whole life and I’m just really honored to represent Flagler Schools.”

From left, Flagler School Board Member Janie Ruddy, Flagler School Board Member Lauren Ramirez, Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore, Flagler Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year Brandy Anderson representing Indian Trails Middle School, Flagler School Board Member Will Furry, Flagler School Board Member Christy Chong, and Flagler School Board Member Derek Barrs. (Photo: Flagler News Weekly)

Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore emceed the evening’s ceremony featuring adults, that was as spirited as any pep rally for students ahead of a big game. Opening the envelopes to read the names, she shared she was as excited to learn who the winners were as the audience.

“Tonight is such a great night for us to celebrate our hardworking employees and teachers of the year,” said Moore.

“It’s just a great opportunity to come together and just do that, just celebrate all that we do a know that they represent each of their schools, they represent a collective work as a school district, and we appreciate them.”

Flagler Schools 2025 Employee of the Year Brande Martz was thrilled by the honor. (Flagler News Weekly)

“It’s Brande and Brandy. You know, I find out the night of, so I said we’ve got a Brandy squared.”

The previous years’ winners spoke ahead of the big reveal, sharing what the honor has meant to each of them, always bringing it back to the kids.

2024 Teacher of the Year Allison Kucharski shared what her year has been like. (Flagler News Weekly)

“I remember asking what does this title mean? I really don’t understand it,” asked 2024 Employee of the Year Jimmy Sorrentino, representing Buddy Taylor Middle School.

“They said, well Jimmy, it gives you an opportunity not just to represent us, but also they put you in a category where you can win district. So, I said fine. I’ll give it a shot. I want to win this for the kids. I want to win it for the school,” he said describing the feeling of hearing his name called out by Superintendent Moore last year.

“It’s always for the kids, and that’s what I stand for.”

2024 Flagler Schools Employee of the Year Jimmy Sorrentino says it’s all about the kids. (Flagler News Weekly)