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The nomination portal is now open for the Youth of the Month Award! Please nominate those gems around the state making great strides in multiple areas of development.   

Florida Youth Foundation

Everyday Heroes

 

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During the Restoring Hope Training Summit, the Florida Youth Foundation (FYF), the direct-support organization for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), Secretary Matt Walsh, and Transfr, Inc. named the 2025 Everyday Heroes Award winners. The Everyday Heroes Award program honors educators and professionals from DJJ and its contracted providers who go above and beyond to positively impact the lives of the youth and families they serve. Winners were awarded during the Champions of Hope Awards Luncheon sponsored by Transfr, Inc.  The Everyday Heroes Award winners received a monetary award from the Florida Youth Foundation, and finalists received monetary awards from the Florida Youth Foundation and the Florida Juvenile Justice Association.

Florida Youth Foundation 2025 Everyday Heroes

Left to Right: Secretary Matt Walsh, Randy Grenon, Annie Johnson, Sonia Rodriguez, Linda Turner, Joseph Kidwell, and FYF Director Shannon Baker

 

Juvenile Justice Teacher of the Year – Randy Grenon

Randy Grenon has been teaching for 27 years and has been an educator at the Hillsborough Regional Juvenile Detention Center for the past seven years. He teaches reading and personal career skills and believes he has truly found a calling in helping prepare students for reentry. His teaching philosophy centers around the needs of his students as individuals, addressing academic, behavioral, and interpersonal issues. He incorporates fun activities to help students learn important life skills, and he goes beyond traditional instruction to bring hope and joy into the lives their lives.

DJJ Provider Staff of the Year – Annie Johnson

Annie Johnson has been a tireless advocate for youth for more than 35 years, dedicating her life to helping young people become successful adults. Her commitment is evident in her daily work, where she diligently develops partnerships that align with her agency’s mission and program goals. Currently, Mrs. Johnson manages the Respect, Accountability, and Purpose (R.A.P.) mentoring program, which has impacted over 300 male students across Bradford, Levy, and Gadsden counties in just two and a half years. In addition to her program leadership, Mrs. Johnson has partnered with evaluators to build strong data systems and evaluation tools, ensuring that prevention strategies are measurable, evidence-based, and effective. 

DJJ Support Services Staff of the Year – Sonia Rodriguez

Sonia Rodriguez is an outstanding employee at the Pasco Regional Juvenile Detention Center, known for her professionalism, kindness, and dependability. She is unwavering in her commitment to provide nutritious meals and a positive dining experience for both youth and staff. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms. Rodriguez goes above and beyond to make holidays and special events meaningful for youth and their visiting families. She has decorated the dining hall for Easter, handcrafted Christmas decorations with her team, baked Christmas cookies, and assisted with the family Christmas luncheon in addition to her regular duties.

Juvenile Justice Probation Officer of the Year – Linda Turner

Senior Juvenile Probation Officer (SJPO) Linda Turner has served the state of Florida for over 42 years.  While she has served in many different roles, SJPO Turner is currently assigned as the Osceola Court Liaison.  SJPO Turner has developed excellent working relationships with local court partners and law enforcement agencies. In her tenure with the department, Linda has routinely gone above and beyond, motivated by her compassion for the youth she serves and the team she works alongside.

Juvenile Justice Detention Officer of the Year – Joseph Kidwell

Joseph Kidwell is a true servant-leader whose compassion and commitment to others shine in everything he does. Juvenile Detention Officer (JDO) Kidwell leads with both faith and action. He supports and assists his fellow DJJ team members through mentorship, encouragement, and collaboration. JDO Kidwell also serves as a bishop, serving his congregation and community. He devotes countless hours to service, providing rides for families without transportation, counseling those in crisis, and walking the neighborhood to encourage anyone in need.