Frances McEachern, a teacher at Beverly Shores Elementary School, won an Excellence in Education Award in a contest that was part of the state’s observance of Black History Month, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced this week.
Black History Month is celebrated every February across the country. In Florida, the observance included essay and arts contests for students and a separate contest for educators. The theme was “Community Champions – Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans in Florida’s Communities.”
McEachern was one of three teachers recognized. The other two were Leslie Cooper and Delmar Wilson, both in Miami-Dade County.
An educator for 16 years, McEachern is a kindergarten through third grade exceptional student education teacher at Beverly Shores, where she has worked for five years.
During the month of February, her class honored influential figures chosen by the students.
“My class worked hard reading, writing and thinking about their person of choice,” she said. “We concluded the month with a wax museum and video.”
DeSantis offered words of congratulations in a written statement this week.
“The governor and I are honored to celebrate this year’s Black History Month student and teacher award winners and their achievements,” she said. “It is our hope that today’s award recipients continue to share their gifts and serve as inspirations across our great State of Florida.”
Cindy Christidis, principal at Beverly Shores, said McEachern’s pleasant personality is a plus in the classroom and when working with colleagues.
“Mrs. McEachern has a contagious smile and laugh,” she said. “She greets all of her students every day with a smile and lets them know how happy she is to see them. She has high expectations for all her students and supports them in accomplishing their goals. She works collaboratively with her team and supports her Beverly Shores Elementary family. We are blessed to have her!”
