Santa Rosa Education Foundation - Celebrating New Teachers
On May 8, 2025, 36 Santa Rosa Rookie of the Year nominees were honored during our Rookie of the Year Reception held at B.C. Russell Elementary School. Family members, friends, and co-workers of our Rookie nominees were invited to celebrate with their rookies and show support for these gifted new educators. The 2025 Santa Rosa Rookie of the Year was announced at this reception and received a monetary award from the Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Congratulations to Sara McPherson, a CTE instructor at Navarre High School. Mrs. McPherson is in her first year of teaching.
“Sara brings a wealth of experience to her role, having retired after 20 years of honorable service in the United States Air Force. This background not only enriches her teaching but also serves as an inspiration to her students, who benefit from her leadership and commitment to excellence.”
-Kasie Windfelder, Principal, Navarre High
Business and community sponsorships were available for this event at $100 each. Please contact us for additional information.
Please join SREF in thanking our 2025 Rookie of the Year Sponsors for their support of Santa Rosa County educators: The Gulf Breeze Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Santa Rosa County Association of School Administrators, Carol Boston, Bubba and Paula Drinkard, GFWC Milton Woman’s Club, Elizabeth Hewey, Paula Lou Mapoles, Scott and Renee’ Peden, Linda Sanborn, and Rick and Diane Scott.
Special thanks to Nadia Colin for all of the beautiful photographs of our ROY Reception.
2025 Santa Rosa Rookie of the Year Sara McPherson & Santa Rosa School Superintendent Karen Barber