Dominique Robinson (BME 2024) has been selected as the Rookie Teacher of the Year at Sawgrass Bay Elementary School.  

The Rookie Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers in their first three years who demonstrate outstanding dedication and skill in the classroom. Robinson was selected from a group of 20 teachers at the school, with the majority of her peers nominating her.

When she arrived, the music program at Sawgrass was limited. There were very few instruments and students had little musical experience. Robinson started a choir called the Sawgrass Singers and successfully fundraised for numerous new instruments, supplies, and materials. This year her students auditioned for the FMEA All-State and Southern Regionals for the first time. While none made All-State this year, three of the 4th graders were accepted into Southern Regionals and two 3rd graders were selected for the Rising Stars program, which prepares students for All-State auditions next year. Additionally, this will be the first year that 4th and 5th grade students will participate in the Lake County Honor Chorus.

Robinson states, “I have been fortunate to receive tremendous support from my administration, which has truly allowed the music program to grow and flourish.”  

During the announcement of the award, her principal stated, “In just her first year, Ms. Robinson has already made a lasting impact on our Bobcat Family. As our music teacher, she brought us the Sawgrass Singers and has filled our school with creativity, energy, and a love for music. We are so excited to celebrate her and can’t wait to see all she continues to inspire!”