Florida Scholars Academy Names Outstanding Teacher, Principal, and Staff Member

September 29, 2025

The Florida Scholars Academy team members of the year are, from left to right, Teacher of the Year Danya Laverack, Principal of the Year Stephen Clark, and School-Related Employee of the Year Brittany Kroulik. They were announced during Florida Virtual School's Annual Professional Learning Conference Sept. 25.

Florida Scholars Academy (FSA), the unified school district serving students in Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) residential programs and operated by Florida Virtual School (FLVS), has named its 2027 Teacher of the Year and the 2026 Principal and School‑Related Employee of the Year.

This year’s honorees are:

• Teacher of the Year: Danya Laverack
• Principal of the Year: Stephen Clark
• School-Related Employee of the Year: Brittany Kroulik

"These awards celebrate the dedication and impact of educators and support staff who work tirelessly to provide hope, structure, and opportunity for Florida's most vulnerable youth,” said FSA Superintendent Julian Cazanas. "Their work reflects the mission of FSA to deliver a flexible, responsive education system that meets the unique needs of every student we serve.”

All three honorees will advance to the Florida Department of Education’s annual awards program, where one teacher, principal, and school‑related employee will be selected as the statewide winners.

2027 Teacher of the Year: Danya Laverack

Danya Laverack from Sebastian, Fla., has been selected as the 2027 Teacher of the Year, recognized for her commitment to empowering at‑risk youth through individualized counseling, goal‑driven planning, and record‑setting student achievement.

As a school counselor for FSA, Laverack serves nearly 900 students living in five Florida DJJ facilities across South and Central Florida, addressing their academic, social, and emotional needs.

Laverack provides individual academic counseling, guiding students in choosing their educational pathway and supporting them as they work toward earning a high school or GED diploma. She also offers referral services designed to foster rehabilitation and reduce recidivism. By creating clear, personalized pathways, she empowers students to pursue success in ways that align with their goals and potential.

“Danya’s unwavering dedication and adaptability have been instrumental to the success of FSA in its inaugural year,” said FSA Instructional Leader Kelly Pettingill. “Her leadership, especially in navigating complex student needs and supporting her fellow counselors, reflects a deep commitment to excellence and collaboration.”

Her impact in the 2024-25 school year was significant: she guided 40 students to earn their high school or General Educational Development (GED) diplomas, personally developed academic plans for 890 students, and scheduled them into courses tailored to their needs, resulting in more than 2,100 course completions between July 2024 and May 2025.

“I am deeply honored to be named the 2027 Florida Scholars Academy Teacher of the Year,” said Laverack. "For me, serving our students is far more than a job title; it’s about providing hope, structure, and the belief that they can achieve their goals. Every day, our team works to empower Florida’s most vulnerable youth to see their own potential, embrace second chances, and succeed academically and beyond. This recognition is a tribute to the meaningful work we do together, and I am privileged to walk alongside our students on their journey toward a brighter future.”

Laverack began her career as a school counselor in 2018, joined the FLVS team in 2024 to work with FSA, and will be shifting to a teacher on assignment role effective Sept. 29. She has a bachelor's degree in music education from Stetson University and a master's degree in school counseling from Capella University. In 2023, she was named Florida Counselor of the Year by the American School Counselor Association.

2026 Principal of the Year: Stephen Clark

Stephen Clark from Mayo, Fla., has been selected as the 2026 Principal of the Year, recognized for his leadership in fostering a positive learning environment and driving student achievement. 

As principal for FSA, Clark serves three of the 42 Florida DJJ residential facilities in North Central Florida, supporting 180 students during the 2024-25 school year, including nearly 70 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students who receive varying levels of specialized instruction, related services, and accommodations. Under his leadership, students have earned 12 high school diplomas (five standard and seven GEDs) and completed more than 890 courses, a course completion rate exceeding 490% of total enrollment.

Clark’s leadership is rooted in a servant‑leadership philosophy that prioritizes student success and staff support. He works to expand graduation opportunities, reduce the likelihood of re‑offense, and create achievement‑focused learning environments that help break the cycle of recidivism.

“Stephen Clark exemplifies servant leadership as an Instructional Leader with Florida Scholars Academy,” said FSA Regional Director Maegan DeMoss. “He ensures students receive the encouragement, instruction, and support they need to succeed. By expanding graduation opportunities and reducing the likelihood of re‑offense, Stephen is making a lasting impact on students’ lives and helping to break the cycle of recidivism.”

With more than 20 years of experience in public education, including both virtual and traditional classroom teaching, and 13 years in leadership roles, Clark brings a depth of expertise that benefits both students and the instructors he oversees. He is known and appreciated for going above and beyond to ensure teachers have the resources, guidance, and encouragement they need to meet student needs and foster positive academic and personal growth.

He began his career in 2006 and joined the FLVS team in 2024. He has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from Flagler College and a master's degree in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix.

2026 School‑Related Employee of the Year: Brittany Kroulik

Brittany Kroulik from Tavares, Fla., has been named the 2026 School-Related Employee of the Year for her exceptional support and commitment to student success.

Kroulik serves as the backbone of the FSA leadership team, bringing a positive, can‑do attitude and a solution‑oriented approach to every challenge. She manages complex scheduling, coordinates cross‑departmental communications, and steps in wherever needed to keep operations running smoothly.

“Brittany is the heart of Florida Scholars Academy,” said Melanie Bowen, FSA program manager. “Her belief in the mission fuels everything she does. She brings unwavering dedication, patience, and a genuine desire to help, making a lasting impact across the organization. From operations to outreach, Brittany touches every corner of FSA with her steady support, kindness, and a sense of humor that makes even the busiest days a little brighter.”

Kroulik’s steadfast support ensures the FSA team can focus on serving students in residential services programs, helping them build a path toward higher education and career success.

She began her career in 2020 and joined the FLVS team in 2024. 

Visit floridascholarsacademy.com to learn more about Florida Scholars Academy.