2022 Teacher of the Year & 2021 School-Related Employee of the Year
Citrus County Schools is proud to announce Judie Banfield, a third-grade Hernando Elementary School teacher, as Citrus County Schools “Teacher of the Year” for 2022 and Rick Godfrey, an ESE paraprofessional with Crystal River Primary School, as School-Related Employee of the Year for 2021.
Superintendent Sam Himmel announced both winners among their family and peers during the annual Galaxy of the Stars event, held virtually this year, hosted by the Citrus County Education Foundation. Both were chosen from a group of 47 finalists who were all recognized during the ceremony.
Mrs. Banfield has been teaching for the Citrus County School District for six years. In addition to being a third-grade teacher at Hernando Elementary, she is also the 3rd - grade team leader. We are also proud to say that Judie is a product of the Citrus County School System. At Hernando Elementary, she continuously guides her colleagues in lesson planning, data analysis, and assisting with new teachers. Principal, Kyle Jaecks, says, “Judie exemplifies a professional educator who makes a tremendous difference in the lives of all students.”
Mr. Godfrey has been making a difference in the lives of young students in Citrus County for the past 12 years and currently a paraprofessional with Crystal River Primary School. According to his peers, Rick is a problem-solver, an innovator, a champion for all students, and a dynamic member of the Bearcub family. His enthusiasm, loyalty, and passion for helping students, especially those with special needs, is evident in everything he does. Principal Donnie Brown describes Rick as “an inspiration to all of us.”