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Superintendent Theresa Axford is pleased to announce that Katharine Yarbrough, from Plantation Key School, has been named as the Monroe County School District Teacher of the Year.
PKS Teacher Katharine Yarbrough is Teacher of the Year

Joined by Board Member Sue Woltanski, Principal Lisa Taylor, AP Maida Court and Office Manager Jay Hillman, Axford surprised Ms. Yarbrough with the announcement, eliciting cheers from her students.
Since joining Plantation Key School, Kat Yarbrough has significantly strengthened the music program, fostering a culture of excellence and passion for the arts. She oversees both the regular and advanced bands, consistently leading them to success. Under her direction, the PKS band earned an Excellent rating in Performance and Sight-Reading at last year's MPA state assessment. Last March, they received top honors at the Music USA Band Competition in Orlando, where Kat’s leadership and the students’ talent shined on a national stage.
In addition to her work with the middle school band, Kat brings music to life for our youngest learners, having K-2 students perform annually at our PTA Fish Fry. She is also the visionary behind “A Special Night,” an event she initiated and continues to collaborate on with our specials teachers every April. This event showcases musical performances from all K-5 students, with a highlight being the special song she wrote for Plantation Key School, performed by one grade level each year. Her dedication, creativity, and ability to inspire students make her an invaluable part of our school community.