When Upper School teacher Mrs. Sara Salivar learned she had been nominated for a countywide leadership award, her reaction was one of deep appreciation.
“I was humbled and honored to be selected by our faculty to represent the Upper School for the Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Secondary School Education. It means a lot to me to be nominated by my co-workers, who I value and admire greatly. We have so many outstanding teachers in the Upper School, so having their vote of confidence truly touches me.”
Mrs. Salivar, a Spanish and Dance Teacher, Performing Arts Department Chair, and coach of the Dazzlers Dance team was recently selected as a finalist for the Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Secondary School Education, one of Palm Beach County’s most prestigious honors for educators.
Now in its 42nd year, the Dwyer Awards recognize outstanding educators in both private and public schools throughout Palm Beach County. Sponsored by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation, the awards emphasize the essential connection between a strong education system and a thriving business community. Mrs. Salivar is one of several Benjamin faculty members nominated this year, alongside Mrs. Lisa Glogower for Elementary Education, Mrs. Denise Ponchock for Middle School Education, and Mrs. Kari Rankine for Student Support and Advancement.
“It is incredible to be included among these talented and dedicated teachers who go above and beyond their classroom duties to serve their students and the Benjamin School community. I don’t know if I will win but to be nominated is truly such an honor and I am thrilled to even be considered for this award. We have a fairly lengthy application process to complete and then an interview before hearing the final decision,” Mrs. Salivar said.
Across campus, Mrs. Salivar’s influence is felt in a wide range of academic and extracurricular spaces.
“The Benjamin School wouldn’t be complete without Mrs. Salivar. I’ve had her as a teacher since my freshman year for Spanish class, Conferencia, the Variety Show and Chorus Club. Whether she is covering Latin American history or covering every base when preparing for the Variety Show, she truly has such a vision for the school and her students. She is inspiring and always pushes all of us to excel,” Senior Liam Duffy stated.
Mrs. Salivar also serves the broader academic community as the adjudicator for the Florida State Spanish Conference and as an AP consultant and leader for the college board.
“I wear many hats. I look forward to seeing my students and colleagues every day, including some Saturdays, where I enjoy the artistic side of my life working with performers, dancers, and Conferencia students. All of this work keeps me tremendously busy, fulfilled and happy,” Mrs. Salivar shared.
This sense of purpose carries into the way Mrs. Salivar approaches her work at Benjamin.
“I strive to be authentic, a mentor to my colleagues and students, and being willing to spend the extra hours to bring out the best in my students and to the Benjamin Community was what contributed to my nomination. I serve on committees and facilitate department meetings so that we communicate effectively and work together as a good team. I also try to lead by example, to inspire, and to encourage. My students know that I have sayings that are meaningful: “más es mejor” to emphasize that good work takes time and effort; and “early is on time, on time is late and late is never acceptable” to emphasize self-discipline and hold expectations,” Salivar stated.
More than any leadership style, Mrs. Salivar credits her nomination to her mentors as crucial advisors in shaping her path as an education.
“In my early years, my dance teacher, Mrs. Rosina Muller, and my Spanish/Philosophy teacher, Mrs. Berta Monroy Magán, were the shepherds who inspired me to become a teacher. I had many great college professors and mentors, including Mrs. Carole Odor, who was my first supervisor. During my TBS years Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin, Mr. John Niebach, Mrs. Anita Spassoff, Mr. Perry Feyk, and Mr. Jay Selvig, were mentors and colleagues of mine who I looked up to and respected greatly. I am blessed to have been inspired by so many influential and incredible educators.’’ Mrs. Salivar explained.
The official award ceremony will be held at the Kravis Center on Monday, May 4. However, regardless of the outcome, Mrs. Savilar’s nomination already stands as a testament to her leadership, dedication, and lasting influence within the Benjamin community and beyond.
