ORANGE PARK — A trio of schools and the public educators within them were formally recognized during a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday. 

"We are proud of them, and proud that they work and serve our children in our town," said Vice-Mayor Winnette Sandlin.

Council presented a certificate appreciation to Tyler Wood recognizing Orange Park Elementary School for its success, recently ranked the No. 1 elementary school in Florida. Orange Park Elementary and Clay County Teacher of the Year Amanda Watson was also recognized with a certificate and gift. 

Additionally, Orange Park Elementary's Abegail Rosario-Castillo was recognized for being the OPE and Clay County Support Employee of the Year. 

Principal of Orange Park Junior High Tania Auguste accepted a certificate on behalf of the school, whose academic team was the winner of the District Championship for the county.

The school's foreign language teacher Paige Iacob and Support Resource Employee of the Year Denise Turner were also recognized with a gift certificates. 

The council also acknowledged Grove Park Elementary and their accomplishments, with principal Shadreka Smith accepting a certificate on its behalf.

The school's Teacher of the Year Amy Crawford and Support Staff Employee of the Year Melissa Spurrier also received gift certificates. 

Each school was awarded a written letter of appreciation to hang within the campus for students to see. 

Superintendent David Broskie was in attendance and thanked the council for their support.

"Public schools are the very foundation of every community," he said. "We have pretty good ones here."