Freedom English teacher speechless about honor

Freedom High English teacher Crystal Dukes admits she is not often at a loss for words.

But she was dumbfounded when a group of visitors carrying a bouquet of flowers filed into her classroom at the start of the second period Jan. 6.

Dukes, who teaches ninth-grade English and Honors English, struggled to speak after she learned she was a finalist for the Hillsborough County Teacher of the Year award.

She was among 15 educators the Hillsborough Education Foundation's Surprise Patrol shocked last week with announcements that they were finalists for the foundation's excellence in education awards.

"You're kidding me," Dukes whispered to Freedom Principal Chris Farkas after the visit. "This is craziness. I'm in shock."

The students in Dukes' class were caught up in the excitement. They were preparing to start a portion of their midterm exam when the visitors arrived. The ninth-graders received passes for a free McDonald's meal when they completed the test.

Dukes' students said they knew she was a special teacher before she received recognition from the school district.

"She is never boring," said John Srour, 14, of Tampa Palms. "It's always exciting and fun."

Sherita Miller, 15, who lives in the USF area, said she is inspired by Dukes.

"Ms. Dukes is the most awesome and bravest person I know," Miller said. "She is a good person to talk to."

Dukes, 26, launched a campus organization called POISED to help high school girls serve as positive role models for younger girls. In partnership with teachers at neighboring Liberty Middle, Dukes has assigned Freedom students to mentor girls at Liberty in a Big Sister-Little Sister-style program.

Farkas said Dukes is serious about helping students improve their lives.

"We have a lot of fantastic teachers, but she is also impressive with her efforts out of the classroom," Farkas said.

In November, Dukes was recognized as Freedom's Teacher of the Year.

Other candidates for teacher of the year are Ryan Kinser of Turkey Creek Middle, Emily Marrero of Philip Shore Elementary, Marcy Ringdahl of Alafia Elementary and Holly Sinclair of Gorrie Elementary.

The Hillsborough Education Foundation annually selects finalists for the county's Teacher of the Year, the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year and the Instructional Support Employee of the Year.

Winners in each category will be announced Jan. 28.

The finalists for the Baker award are Jene Bell of Chamberlain High, Kimberly Duran of Foster Elementary, Japera Helene Hodges of Witter Elementary, Michael Oliver of Youth Services and Karen Willis-Barrett of Greco Middle.

The Baker award, named for the first black woman to serve as a high school principal in Lee County and as deputy superintendent by the Florida Department of Education, recognizes teachers who promote diversity and encourage students' academic success.

Instructional support employee of the year finalists are Susan Marie Blackmon, Oak Park Elementary; Julie Harris, Broward Elementary; Suzie Morse, Chiles Elementary; Valerie Pearce, LaVoy Exceptional Center; and Kelly Jean Zelaya, Stewart Middle Magnet.