Giving Back

Okaloosa STEMM Academy’s Roeckers wins inaugural “Thank A Teacher” Award

Robert Roeckers, a first-year teacher at Okaloosa STEMM Academy, has been named the inaugural recipient of the “Thank A Teacher” recognition program — a new initiative to honor exceptional local educators. Roeckers, who teaches aerospace and serves as an advisory teacher at the middle school STEMM magnet program, was chosen for his “undeniable enthusiasm and commitment to fostering […]

Jared Williams

Robert Roeckers, a first-year teacher at Okaloosa STEMM Academy, has been named the inaugural recipient of the “Thank A Teacher” recognition program — a new initiative to honor exceptional local educators.

The program is a collaboration between the Okaloosa County School District and HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital.
Community members can visit the Thank A Teacher website year-round to nominate standout teachers who make a difference in students’ lives.

Roeckers, who teaches aerospace and serves as an advisory teacher at the middle school STEMM magnet program, was chosen for his “undeniable enthusiasm and commitment to fostering a love for learning,” administrators said in a news release Tuesday.

Since starting at Okaloosa STEMM this academic year, Roeckers has quickly become a favorite among his students — using an innovative, fun teaching style to make topics engaging for adolescents.

“This year is Mr. Roeckers’ first year of teaching, but the way he acts makes his classes fun and enjoyable, you would think that he has been teaching for quite some time,” one grateful student remarked. “He also is very kind to his students and everyone else on campus, and will always greet you with a smile.”

Roeckers was recognized at the school and received $250 from HCA Florida Healthcare, which operates HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital in Okaloosa County.

December nominations for the Thank A Teacher program are open. You can visit the Thank A Teacher website to express your gratitude for your favorite teacher!

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

School

Plew Elementary’s ‘GRANDreaders’ program transforms retirees into reading champions for Niceville students

School

Four Okaloosa students named National Merit Scholarship semifinalists

School

Three Okaloosa students among winners in Florida Space Art Contest

Public Safety

HCA Florida Destin-Fort Walton Hospital leads “Crush the Crisis” drug take-back event

James Alcott commented on 12-foot wide ‘bridge-to-bridge’ bike path across Okaloosa Island gets final approval

“Very glad to see this project going through,we don’t live here but we brought our bikes here from misssouri and drove over to 30A to ride”

Respond

Didier commented on Brooks Bridge project takes shape with new pier construction

“I suggest revising this statement: "doubling the number of travel lanes from the current four to six" since doubling four does not yield six.”

Taryn Gray commented on Academy Sports & Outdoors submits plans to open new store in Fort Walton Beach

“No there was never one here.”

Monica Sigala commented on 66-year-old Pensacola man arrested in Crestview bank robbery

“Sad that I know him and had no idea!”

Ernesto Christobal commented on 66-year-old Pensacola man arrested in Crestview bank robbery

“One of the most important issue regarding this matter is: was this x-con provided with an opportunity to learn a trade while locked up for 327 months or was he...”

Edna Peirce Dixon commented on 66-year-old Pensacola man arrested in Crestview bank robbery

“Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? I seriously question the integrity of the yellow media and low-intelligence commenters for spewing such damagaing rhetoric before this case has even been...”

Linda commented on 66-year-old Pensacola man arrested in Crestview bank robbery

“I take it that he only did half of 27 years which is 13 1/2 years .He apparently missed his inmate friends. What made him think he could get away...”

Diane Cocchiarella commented on Plew Elementary’s ‘GRANDreaders’ program transforms retirees into reading champions for Niceville students

“How can we get this started at Bluewater ? yeah Mrs Crist , still loving and making a difference in children’s lives .”

Nellie Bogar commented on Plew Elementary’s ‘GRANDreaders’ program transforms retirees into reading champions for Niceville students

“This is such an awesome idea! Ms. Crist was my daughter Valerie's 2nd grade teacher when Valerie attended Bluewater Elementary School! Ms. Crist was born to teach!! Nellie Bogar, Youth...”

Brandy commented on Destin seeks solutions for young anglers facing dock restrictions on the Harbor

“I have been in the charter industry for nearly 20yrs, I own a successful mulit-boat fishing company, I teach the FISHING CLASS at Destin Highschool and I am also the...”