The Florida Exemplary Migrant Education Awards Project celebrates the successes of Florida’s graduating migrant high school seniors, migrant parents, school support personnel, and community partners. The project acknowledges the hard work, perseverance, and dedication of these individuals who are working to better our migrant population. At its recent meeting in Immokalee, the Collier County School Board was able to recognize local individuals who were recently honored with a state migrant award. We’re proud to say that one of those individuals was our very own Highlands Elementary Principal Laura Mendicino. Laura received the 2018 Migrant Administrator of the Year! Since arriving at Highlands Elementary, Mendicino initiated the Saturday for Success Migrant Academy, providing additional academic support for migrant students. Highlands Elementary also achieved Lighthouse status as a Leader in Me School and is the first Lighthouse School in Collier County. Under Mendicino’s leadership, Highlands’ school grade has increased from an F to an A! Mendicino continues to serve the children and families of Immokalee with the mission of empowering and challenging students to reach their maximum potential and become leaders. Mendicino shared, “This award really goes out to my team as we have reached these amazing accomplishments together.” We would also like to congratulate the following: • 2018 Migrant Support Service Employee - Flavia Mansberger • 2018 Migrant Health Professional - Dr. Javier Rosado • 2018 Male Rising Scholar of the Year - Salomon Ruiz • 2018 Migrant Parent - Maria Segura • 2018 Most Exemplary Male Scholar of the Year - Fabien Venegas Ramos Together, we celebrate the work of these individuals and their efforts to improve and enhance our migrant population.