West Broward honors Marnie Weissmark and Ana Thacker

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Weissmark and Thacker were voted by their colleagues as the 2023 teacher and employee of the year

(Pictured right) CLEAN IT LIKE YOU MEAN IT: Thacker has been nominated as the 2023-2024 employee of the year. Her nomination is expected due to her high work ethic and ability to help everyone in need. She wishes to continue working at West Broward and keeping the school clean. Photo by Jaliyah Young

(Pictured left) HELPING HANDS: Weissmark was nominated to be the 2023-2024 teacher of the year due to her hard work and her passion to help whenever needed. She plans to continue to be someone to rely on and to strive to be the best version of herself. Photo by Jaydin Sellers

By: Mia Garcia and Jaliyah Young

At West Broward High School, our teachers and staff do so much for the students. Whether that is cleaning the school, making sure they are on top of our classes, and more. Each year, every school in the district selects a teacher and employee of the year. This year, ESE Specialist Marnie Weissmark was awarded Teacher of the Year and Assistant Head Facility Supervision High/Tech Ana Thacker was awarded Staff of the Year.

Faculty, staff, and administration vote for which other school members deserve this award. They choose from a list of names and the nominations get narrowed down to two lucky staff members. The awards bestowed on these staff last all throughout the year and highlights the hard work and dedication they have done for their school. Only the most hardworking and respectable teachers and staff are awarded these titles.

“When certain individuals, whether they be teachers or non-instructional perform at that level, they grow, going above and beyond and giving back to the community more than what is even expected, we honor them.” said Principal, Brad Fatout.

Marnie Weissmark, ESE Specialist at West Broward High School, has aided a wide group of students both academically and emotionally.

Although Weissmark has worked at West Broward for many years, she has a lengthy resume. She graduated from the University of Miami with a bachelor’s and master’s in special education and later worked at Driftwood Middle School for 16 years. She then worked at an outdoor educational wilderness program. Weissmark administered educational programs as well as daycare facilities inside of all clubs in Florida and Georgia. But it does not stop there, she has also taught at a science enrichment program Mad Science, and she has aided homeschooled students. Growing up, Weissmark had always aspired to be a teacher, and has always had a passion for assisting and guiding students to reach their goals and aspirations.

“I always loved working with people that did not always have a voice for themselves and helping their families.” said ESE Specialist Marnie Weissmark.

Head Assistant Custodian, Ana Thacker, has been working at West Broward for 15 years. In her time at West Broward, her hard work and diligence has been recognized by her peers and staff. Thacker is the assistant head custodian and is not only in charge of cleaning the school, but also in charge of overseeing any underlying problems that may be going on and ensuring the school’s security. Typically, her work hours are from 2:30 pm to 11 o’ clock at night. She works hard to make sure the school is cleanfor students and faculty.

Ms. Weissmark deserves her award and recognition. She works hard. I am just incredibly happy to work with her and to have her here at our school. She deserves her award and recognition.
Assistant Principal Diana Hurtado

“Well, I feel happy because I have been working here for a long time, and I love my job and it feels good to you know, to feel that.” Thacker said.

Each year, the teacher and employee of the year program highlights the faculty that maintains the environment and safety of students and schools as a whole. Both Weissmark and Thacker have shown excellent qualities in their careers at West Broward and will for years to come.

Ms. Weissmark is always working hard to help families and students overcome any situations they may makes sure to help those in need.

“Ms. Weissmark is our ESE specialist and she helpes students of varing exceptionalities on a daily. She is an amazing person, a great educator, and a great leader” Fatout said.

While one helps the students, the other helps the school. West Broward, as a whole, relies on Ms. Thacker to keep the school clean and safe, and she executes that perfectly. She spends hours on end making sure the school is perfect.

“Ms. Thacker is our head assistant facility service staff. She’s the leader of the group and communicates everything that must be done. She and all faculty are vital to West Broward and into molding the students into young adults and model citizens.”