TAMPA – The Hillsborough Education Foundation and Hillsborough County Public Schools honored those who represent the very best of public education at the 2026 Excellence in Education Awards.
This year’s theme, Hillsborough’s Treasures, recognized educators and support staff whose efforts shape student success across the district.
Selected from 690 nominations, 13 finalists were recognized for their contributions.
The event culminated with the announcement of one winner for each of three categories: Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year, Instructional Support Employee of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.
Ché Counce
Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year
Ché Counce is an Access Points teacher who has served Hillsborough County Public Schools for seven years.
Counce is passionate about expanding opportunities for her students through grant writing, securing funding for sensory rooms, cooking lessons, science equipment, schoolwide inclusive events and a school garden.
She has served on the board of a nonprofit supporting individuals with Down syndrome and has also worked with Metropolitan Ministries in an after-school program. She also taught English in South Korea for a year.
Counce is dedicated to community service and to empowering students with cognitive disabilities. Her students’ growth and increased inclusion continue to inspire her work each day.
Mary Torres-Cerezo
2026 Instructional Support Employee of the Year
Mary Lynn Torres-Cerezo has worked for Hillsborough County Public Schools for 21 years. She spent 14 of those years as a nurse for Willis Peters Exceptional Center.
One of Mary’s passions is raising awareness for childhood cancer. Along with her church group, they adopt a family each Christmas who care facing childhood cancer. They do this in xmemory of her youngest daughter, Sierra.
Sierra is her biggest motivation in her role as a nurse. Sierra had Down Syndrome and passed away at age 9 from leukemia.
Her other motivation is her students. She considers working with students with special needs to be an honor and a blessing.
Christi Atkinson
2026 Teacher of the Year
Christi Atkinson has been teaching in Hillsborough County for 14 years, nine years at Wharton High School, with the last four years as the science department head. She is an active sponsor of Science National Honor Society and SPLASH Club and is a member of the Florida Marine Science Educators Association.
Atkinson has participated in training offered by Guy Harvey, the Florida Aquarium and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
She has been awarded grants from Guy Harvey, Southwest Florida Water Management District, Hillsborough Education Foundation and Target to finance student field trips and equipment purchases.
Atkinson is motivated by watching students relate their classroom learning to the ocean and environment. She also challenges her students to discover creative and innovative solutions to environmental issues.
