Mary Sands Williams Honored for 29 Years of Dedication to Education
Mary Sands Williams recognized for excellence in physical education

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, August 11, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Mary Sands Williams, Physical Education Teacher for Broward County Public Schools, has been recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in physical education.

Named Cambridge Publishing's 2010 Professional of the Year in Physical Education, Mary Sands Williams has dedicated the last 29 years to the field at Lauderdale Lakes Middle School. There, she teaches two physical education classes in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Magnet Program, oversees peer counseling for the seventh and eighth grades, teaches the Reading Plus Program and works with students in the Course Recovery Program (a technology-driven course that helps students to make up and master previously unsatisfactory or incomplete coursework). She regards her ability to motivate her students to live healthy and physically active lives to be the driving force behind her career. In addition to her current endeavors, Mrs. Williams served as a coordinator for the Internal Suspension/Behavioral Modification Program for 20 years. During this period, she counseled many disruptive and disinterested students. She notes that having the ability to help underachieving students to thrive in academics has become one of the most rewarding aspects of her career to date.

Prior to joining Broward County Public Schools, Mrs. Williams played basketball on a B Team League in Lugano, Switzerland. She attended Florida State University, where she earned a bachelor of science in physical education in 1981, and became certified in health education (7-12), physical education (6-12) and physical education (K-8). Today, she credits her success to her hard work, dedication and strong upbringing. She has been honored with several recognitions, including a Principal Award, an Inspirational Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008 and a Coach of the Year Award, among many others. Her professional affiliations include the Broward Teachers Union, the Florida Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Moving forward, she will seek to continue teaching and spend more time traveling.

Mrs. Williams fundraises for the American Heart Association (Hoops for Heart Event at LLMS) and the American Diabetes Association (Step-Out Walk) annually with the help of her fellow church members at St. Anne Episcopal Church, where she is the Rec. Secretary of the ECW. The Principal and administrators at LLMS speak very highly of Mrs. Williams.

Their praise of her is overwhelming:

"Mary is always professional and prepared. Mary knows her job and deals with the invariable fluctuations in the school day with ease. Whatever is asked of her is done and done well. Pleasant, courteous and friendly every day, she cares about the needs of our children and serves them as if they were her own." - Mrs. Angela Jackson, Principal.

"Mary Sands Williams is a teacher that the school has come to depend upon, admire and respect. Mary has displayed incredible leadership, educational and social skills that have been an asset to the school as a whole. She sits on Faculty Council, sponsors Hoops For Heart, and she is a true advocate for anything positive at the school. She is respected by students and teachers alike, and is often the voice of reason at school-wide meetings. She is so dedicated that the custodians have to force her out of the school late at night. Mrs. Sands Williams may not be a famous character on television, but she is definitely our 'Super Heroine' at Lauderdale Lakes Middle School." - Ms. Belinda Hope, Intern Principal

"For the past 29 years, Mary Sands Williams has been a tremendous teacher and asset to the school. She is a dedicated teacher and, as a result, her skills have been exceptional. She has proven to be a great example to other teachers and students, modeling a respectful and determined person. She has been able to successfully implement programs, teach life skills and build positive role models in our students. Mary has developed a curriculum that includes projects that encourage students to learn in multiple ways. Her actions have been a great help to these students and staff, many of whom have taken time to share their comments with me regarding her pleasant and encouraging attitude." Mr. Ducarmel Augustin, Intern Principal

"Mrs. Sands Williams is an invaluable asset to Lauderdale Lakes Middle School. She is an exceptional physical education instructor, who pushes her students to be their best and always make integrity and honesty their first priorities. Coach Sands Williams is an exceptional teacher leader, who is highly respected by all faculty and staff. She spearheads the annual Hoops For Heart Campaign to raise awareness about heart disease. Coach Sands Williams' passion for a healthy lifestyle is contagious and infects the entire school population. I am truly blessed to have this opportunity to spotlight a great educator who inspires everyone to live to his or her best." - Mrs. Cassandra Adderley, Interim Assistant Principal

"It has been my privilege to work with Mary Sands Williams for the past 24 years. During this time, she has always displayed the highest professional standards. She is dedicated to performing her job well. She is organized and hard working, collaborates well with others and displays a willingness to go above and beyond her job description. Mary cares deeply about not only her own successes, but also the success of everyone around her" - Rebecca Zahler, International Baccalaureate Coordinator

Mrs. Williams is the daughter of Robert C. Sands, Sr. and Myrtle C Sands (deceased) of Hallandale Beach, Florida. Raised in Hallandale Beach, Mrs. Williams is now married to Charles Williams. She is a South Broward High School graduate, member the Class of 1975.

Press Release Contact Information:

Ellen Campbell
Cambridge Who's Who
Public Relations
498 RXR Plaza, West Tower
Uniondale, NY
USA 11556
Voice: 516-535-1515 x1266
Website: Visit Our Website