Seminole High’s Gerard Madrinan is Pinellas Teacher of the Year

Mayor Ken Welch called teachers catalysts for inspiration who make a profound impact on the lives of students the the future of the community.

Dylan Madrinan opened his speech with, “It’s a weird thing to have your uncle and godfather as your band director,” and, after the laughter died down, added that his teacher makes students feel confident and capable of achieving their dreams. He closed with, “I’m proud to be a band dork for life. Thanks, Uncle Jerry – I mean Mr. Madrinan.”

The Pinellas Education Foundation agreed with Dylan’s sentiments, as Gerard Madrinan was named Pinellas County Schools’ 2024 Teacher of the Year. The foundation recognized his impact at the district’s annual Evening of Excellence ceremony, held Monday night at the Mahaffey Theater.

Madrinan is a Seminole High School and University of South Florida alum.

Madrinan is a Band Director and Music Teacher at Seminole High School and a Pinellas County Schools (PCS) alum. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from the University of South Florida. Madrinan said he first fell in love with Seminole High School’s Marching Band in 4th grade, when his older brother was in the band. For the last 33 years, he has been connected to the marching band – from watching as a little kid to now serving as the band director.

After thanking his administration, mentors, colleagues and family on stage Monday night, Madrinan acknowledged his past and present students.

“You are not just my ‘why,’ but you are the why and the reason for the entire community. And on January 1, 2025, you’ll represent the best of us as you march down Colorado Boulevard in the 2025 Rose Parade in California,” Madrinan said. “On a completely separate note, if any of you know any wealthy philanthropists who would like to donate and support some awesome kids, please send them my way.”

Madrinan was one of 130 teachers chosen by their respective schools as Teacher of the Year. They became nominees for the county’s top honor, and the Pinellas Education Foundation then pared the group down to the top 10 finalists, who were all spotlighted with their own video introductions and student speeches as part of the Evening of Excellence presentation.

“All of the 10 finalists exemplify excellence in teaching, and selecting one representative is always incredibly difficult,” said PCS Superintendent Kevin Hendrick in a prepared statement. “Seminole High School band director Gerard Madrinan embodies how academic excellence through the performing arts positively changes the lives of the students in his classroom. The student experiences he creates through music, community engagement and commitment to a team have a life-long impact. As a Seminole High School alum, Mr. Madrinan’s dedication to his students extends to his coworkers, families and the community at large.”

As part of his Teacher of the Year win, Madrinan rode to school in style Tuesday morning, arriving in a limousine to dozens of students and faculty cheering for him. Madrinan will also receive cash awards from the Pinellas Community Foundation and Pinellas Education Foundation, a luxury weekend car rental from Crown Automotive, a $5,000 classroom grant from the Maurice A. & Thelma P. Rothman Family Foundation, a five-night vacation to Hawaii and a special experience at the Rays Up for Education Night at Tropicana Field, among other prizes that were donated in-kind from businesses and organizations in the community.

Gerard Madrinan celebrates with Seminole High School students the morning after winning 2024 Teacher of the Year.

The nine other finalists included:

• Deanna Barthel, Clearwater Fundamental Middle
• Lisa Bitting, Palm Harbor University High
• Sadra Bostick, Ponce de Leon Elementary
• Kristin Campbell, Sandy Lane Elementary
• Karin David, East Lake Middle
• Debbie Georgia-Stein, Gibbs High
• Kristin Jennings, Bay Vista Fundamental Elementary
• Naomi Middlebrooks, Maximo Elementary
• Cole Pierce, Tyrone Middle

The 2024 Emerging Teachers of the Year were also awarded at Monday night’s event. The Emerging Teacher of the Year program, launched in January 2020, recognizes exemplary educators in their first three years of teaching. Katrina Carpenter from Mount Vernon Elementary won the elementary-level award, and Amanda Daniels from Palm Harbor University High won the secondary-level award.