Northpinellas: Teacher earns $25,000 surprise

PALM HARBOR -- A couple of days ago Anete Vasquez, a Palm Harbor University High School English teacher, was talking with her husband about pursuing her Ph.D. They discussed how they would cover the expenses. Maybe her grandmother's traditional Christmas check would go toward tuition, or maybe they would refinance the house.

But at a school assembly Tuesday, Vasquez learned she wouldn't have to worry about either option. A surprised Vasquez received a $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.

The awards, established in 1985, were created to reward, retain and attract top educators in kindergarten through 12th grade. Vasquez is one of four Florida teachers and 120 nationwide to receive the award this year.

She is the first Pinellas educator to receive the award.

The rest of the high school campus was surprised as well -- except for principal Alec Liem, who had notice. Students and faculty were invited to a presentation on education featuring Commissioner Charlie Crist, Secretary of Education Jim Horne and district Superintendent Dr. Howard Hinesley. Rosey Grier, former professional football player and a Milken Family Foundation trustee, was also on hand to deliver a motivational speech.

The purpose of the event -- the award -- was top secret until the end of the ceremony.

"One teacher has the power to positively influence thousands of people's lives," award co-founder Lowell Milken told the school before revealing that a Palm Harbor University High teacher was going to win a $25,000 award. About that time, Vasquez's students began staring and pointing at her.

After hearing the news, she delivered a short, impromptu speech, saying that her honor came from being part of a strong team.

"Everybody here realizes their potential. They all work hard and it makes it a great place," she said, still shaking.

After the ceremony she admitted, "I'm not very good in the spotlight."

That sense of modesty and teamwork is typical for Vasquez, fellow teacher Aimee Alfaro said.

"She is so willing to help everybody," she said. "Even in her off time she has never shunned anyone away."

Vasqez, the 2000 Pinellas County Teacher of the Year, was a University of Florida graduate. She began her career in Citrus County at Lecanto Middle School in 1992, moved to Pinellas County in 1996 and came to Palm Harbor University High in 1997.

Vasquez was among several educators nominated for the award by a committee appointed by the state Department of Education. From there final selections were made by the foundation. Award criteria include outstanding teaching practices, potential for long-range leadership and outstanding accomplishments. The foundation was co-founded by Lowell Milken and his brother Michael, a former junk bond dealer.

One reason Vasquez stood out among the competition was her ability to motivate students, Lowell Milken said during the ceremony.

"I think it's just because I really like my students," Vasquez said.

Sometimes she lets her students bring in props and act out plays. Other times, classes come up with educational games.

"She always makes the class fun and gets all the kids involved," said Natasha Wick, 17, a former student of hers. "She always makes going to class a thrill. You always want to go to her class."

Heather Holtzman, 17, also a former student, said her peers always felt like their opinions mattered.

"She never told us we were wrong about any of our ideas," she said.

In June, she and other recipients will be flown to Los Angeles to attend a professional development conference. They'll also join the Milken Educator Network, which creates innovative programs and provides resources for teachers. That's a bonus for Vasquez, who said she had wanted to get involved with the network but didn't know how.

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