GOLDEN COCONUT: “Coach” awarded Teacher of the Year
Five years have past since the Fort Myers Beach community recognized the cream of the crop at Beach Elementary School.
The Beach Kids Foundation has resurrected the Golden Coconut Award, known as the school’s teacher of the year program. Former Beach Elementary teacher Pam Flowers was the last recipient of the award when she was chosen as 2009-10 Teacher of the Year.
Last Friday, Heather “Coach” Lodovico was honored with the 2014-15 distinction and handed the golden coconut trophy for her excellence in the profession. “Coach” teaches Physical Education and Music classes and instructs anti-bullying and positive behavior programs at the school.
“I’m shocked. I really feel blessed to be at this school that is so supported by the community,” she said. “I’m thankful that Mr. (Principal Larry) Wood took a chance on me three years ago.”
Beach Elementary hired Lodovico as a PE teacher for three days a week in August 2012. Since then, the spirit leader has also “stepped up to the plate” and added hours to cover the school’s vacant music position.
“It is very encouraging to work with such a supportive staff,” Lodovico said. “Because we are a small school, everyone helps each other. It’s a very special place to work. I love coming to work every day. We have a lot of fun here.”
Beach Kids Foundation Chairman of the Board Fran Myers presented Principal Wood a check for $1,000. Foundation members also provided gift certificates and Bath & Body Works products to each Beach school teacher as well as flowers to Beach Elementary Secretary Renee Mulloy, who helps during Spirit of the Holidays events.
“This is just the beginning. We want to help the Beach school whenever we can,” said Myers.
The Golden Coconut Award winner was named after all Beach Elementary staff members participated in the voting process with all teachers on the ballot. Beach Kids Foundation Golden Coconut Chairwoman Linda Beasley made the announcement.
“Coach” is known for her vocalness and spirit, which is infectious to the entire student body on campus. She sometimes wears costumes to fit a certain theme or event.
Since moving to Florida, Lodovico has been a volunteer coach for Challenger Baseball for adult and children with special needs.
“Everybody loves ‘Coach’ Lodovico. We are very fortunate that she is working with us,” said Wood. “She is doing a wonderful job. She’s just an awesome person. The kids just love her and so does the staff. She walks into a room and lights it up.”
Born and raised in Bristol, Connecticut, her family members include parents, Joann and Eddie Lodovico; sister, Amy; nephew, Griffin; and dogs, Shiner and Huckleberry.
Lodovico, a Beach resident, has a Bachelor of Science degree from James Madison University, where she was on the Dean’s list and a Division 1 soccer player. She has taught in Virginia and Texas and is presently working on her Masters degree at the University of South Florida and a Music degree endorsement as well.
The award hiatus was long enough for Beach school employees and the community. Back in November 2014, the newly formed Beach Kids Foundation announced plans to reinstitute the Golden Coconut Award. The non-profit organization held true to their collective word.
“We are really glad that the program has been brought back by the Beach Kids Foundation,” said Wood. “We are looking forward to working with them in the future. We are very fortunate of the support we get from all the groups on the Beach.”
The Golden Coconut Award is a spin-off of the Golden Apple Award, a teacher recognition program developed locally by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools to appreciate the skills and dedication of teachers and recognize them as the most important element in a child’s learning and development. Being a Beach setting, a coconut appeared to better suited to the environment.