The Support Person of the Year award honors educational support personnel for the contributions they make to their schools, district-level sections, units, and departments. The district's Support Person of the Year represents Orange County to compete at the state level to be named at the annual Florida School-Related Employee of the Year.
Congratulations to the 2024-25 Support Person of the Year!
Danielle MacKay
Educational Interpreter, Lake Sybelia Elementary
Danielle MacKay has been empowering deaf or hard of hearing students at Lake Sybelia Elementary for nine years. MacKay compassionately bridges communication gaps using sign language and her voice. She formerly worked in the classroom of 2018 Teacher of the Year Christina Arenth, who said MacKay is a natural teacher who excels at leading small groups, focusing on language development and guiding parents. MacKay runs a free ASL class for OCPS staff and families. Through that effort and others, she encourages parents to learn sign language to communicate with their children. That helps students experience less frustration and have fewer behavioral concerns. She also spends time tutoring and mentoring students in and outside school, and has seen students blossom with her support.