News

Announcing the Results of The Weekly Talon’s 2024–2025 Student Choice Awards

Carden Stroud and Sylas Johnson • June 13, 2025

Graphic designed by Riley McNeil via Canva.com

As the school year comes to a close, there is no better time to reflect on the memories we’ve made over the past few months. Whether it’s through their hidden talents or unique quirks, Davie High’s teachers and staff are sure to be at the center of many memorable moments. To highlight the idiosyncrasies of life at Davie High, over the last week, students and staff were given the chance to vote for staff superlatives. Which teacher is most likely to break out into song or dance? Which staff member would be on the cover of “Vogue”? Read on to find out!

Student Choice Awards 2025

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s… history teacher Josh Pittman? (Silas Marion)

Most Likely to Secretly Be a Superhero: Josh Pittman

It's a bird! It's a plane! No, it’s… history teacher Josh Pittman? While Pittman’s athleticism is unquestioned given his college athletic experience and time as head men’s basketball coach for Davie, he’s proven his heroic capabilities in more ways than one. Whether it's through his athletic abilities or ability to expertly navigate tense situations in the classroom, Pittman proves that not all heroes wear capes.
English and journalism teacher Matt Barker is well known among his students for his eccentric personality and infectious energy.

Most Likely to Win a Dance Battle: Matt Barker

When walking through the hallways of Davie High, you may be greeted by something unexpected: the sound of heavy metal music. The source of this peculiar sound? The room of English teacher Matt Barker. Barker is well known among his students for his eccentric personality and infectious energy. He can often be found bounding across his room, theatrically illustrating lessons, and, according to DCHS students, busting a move. With his love of music and energetic personality, Barker is sure to win a dance battle any day.
With a playlist for every decade covered in her American history classes, history teacher Laura Doub brings the past to life for her students through music. (Rylie Yount)

Best Classroom Playlist Creator: Laura Doub

With a playlist for every decade covered in her American history classes, history teacher Laura Doub brings the past to life for her students through music. Spanning from the roaring ‘20s to mid-2000s, Doub’s classroom playlists cover a wide variety of styles and themes, even including one playlist lovingly titled “Tay Lullabies for Say” dedicated to her young daughter’s favorite Taylor Swift soundtracks. When presented with her award for best classroom playlist, Doub was more than thrilled to be awarded such a sweet superlative.
As one of the youngest teachers at Davie, the height of Grubb’s influence far exceeds that of her stature. (Rylie Yount)

Most Likely to be Mistaken for a Student: Jessica Grubb

If you’ve ever spoken to English teacher Jessica Grubb, you’ll have noted her energetic attitude. As one of the youngest teachers at Davie, the height of Grubb’s influence far exceeds that of her stature. With this in mind, it’s no wonder she was voted most likely to be mistaken for a student, a title won by her fiancé in last year’s awards.
As one of the Nutrition & Child Development teachers at Davie, Dianne Williams has blessed many students with fresh, healthy recipes.

Most Likely to Win a Cooking Show: Diane Williams

As one of the Nutrition & Child Development teachers at Davie, Dianne Williams has blessed many students with fresh, healthy recipes. Considering her love of cooking (and that her classroom is literally a kitchen), no one is shocked that Williams is most likely to win a cooking show.
As the advisor for the History of the Vietnam War Club and one of the organizers for the annual Davie High history museum, Wood has learned his fair share of random facts in niche fields.

Most Likely to be an Expert in Random Facts: Zach Wood

If there’s anyone who can tell you the names of every historical battle from 1600 onwards, it's history teacher Zachary Wood. As the advisor for the History of the Vietnam War Club and one of the organizers for the annual Davie High history museum, Wood has learned his fair share of random facts in niche fields. The field he’s most knowledgeable about? Dairi-O.
Fountain pens. Ballpoint pens. Dip pens. If there’s anyone who can tell you about all three—and more—it’s science teacher Jason Ward.

Most Likely to have a Favorite Pen: Jason Ward

Fountain pens. Ballpoint pens. Dip pens. If there’s anyone who can tell you about all three—and more—it’s science teacher Jason Ward. Throughout the year, Ward often rewarded his AP Environmental Science and Biology students with 3D-printed fountain pens for winning class contests. One might go so far as to suspect that Ward will write with an ink and quill next year.
As winner of the best classroom decor superlative, Harris’s room is sure to never go out of style!

Best Classroom Decor: Kamyrn Harris

The classroom of history teacher Kamryn Harris is filled with colorful decorations, creative posters, historical trinkets, and more. Her love of all things history, Taylor Swift, and school spirit shines through the aesthetic, bright, and welcoming atmosphere. As winner of the best classroom decor superlative, Harris’s room is sure to never go out of style!
As someone who has completed several Ironman Triathlon races, it’s no wonder students voted Coach Nathan Handy as most likely to run — and win — a marathon.

Most Likely to Run a Marathon (and Win): Nathan Handy

Coach Nathan Handy, one of Davie High’s Physical Education teachers, is well known for his enthusiastic approach to fitness. As any of his PE students can tell you, Handy loves to run, a passion he often shares through the activities he encourages his class to participate in. As someone who has completed several Ironman Triathlon races, it’s no wonder students voted him as most likely to run — and win — a marathon.
Ferebee’s snack drawer is filled to the brim with Pop Tarts of every variety, along with Goldfish, candy, and more.

Most Likely to have a Legendary Snack Drawer: Collin Ferebee

Collin Ferebee, a science teacher and coach of the women’s tennis and women’s soccer teams, is famous for his elite snack stash. Ferebee’s snack drawer is filled to the brim with Poptarts of every variety, along with Goldfish, candy, and more. His students and athletes with access to the stash know to respect the unofficial rules put in place to ensure the delicious goods can be enjoyed throughout the school year whenever a snack break is needed.
Angie Stage commands the attention of her students and cheerleaders with a look that says it all.

Best at Giving the Look: Angie Stage

Walking through the hallways, most teachers are offering welcoming smiles, but for Angie Stage, it’s more of a look to remind you to behave. Stage commands the attention of her students and cheerleaders with a look that says it all. Stage agrees with this pick because she was quite the advocate for her to be nominated again, since she had not won the awards in previous years.
Will Miner has been voted by students as the most likely to be a reality TV star. Yet this victory comes at a cost for Miner who has been twice awarded “coolest room” by the students of Davie High.

Most Likely to Become a Reality TV Show Star: Will Miner

In what may be the most controversial pick of the year, robotics teacher Will Miner has been voted by students as the most likely to be a reality TV star. Yet this victory comes at a cost for Miner who has been twice awarded “coolest room” by the students of Davie High. For Miner, this year’s win served as a threat to his “dynasty,” a concern that could not be alleviated by pointing out that “Best Classroom Decor” is not technically the same category as previous years. Seem like a plot point ripped out of a reality show? Could it be, perhaps, that Miner is now further confirming the legitimacy of his win? Only time will tell.
Melissa Sparks’s forays into song are sure to tickle your funny bone. (Riley McNeil)

Most Likely to Break Out in Song: Melissa Sparks

If she weren’t an athletic trainer, Foundations of Health Science teacher Melissa Sparks would be a lead on Broadway. Her Health-Science-themed renditions of popular songs are sure to tickle your funny bone.
Whenever you encounter career coach and DDCC coordinator Jennifer Hanes, you’re sure to be greeted by a friendly face! (Riley McNeil)

Staff with the Best Smile: Jennifer Hanes

Whenever you encounter career coach and DDCC coordinator Jennifer Hanes, you’re sure to be greeted by a friendly face! While she’s helping students plan their schedules or explore careers, Hanes is always smiling with her signature grin.
As she often integrates humor into her lessons and classroom conversations, math teacher Lisa Kenney can frequently be heard laughing at her jokes (and her students).

Teacher Most Likely to be Heard Laughing Down the Hall: Lisa Kenney

If you ever ask a student to describe math teacher Lisa Kenney, they’ll without a doubt mention her passion for sarcastic comments and math-related jokes. As she often integrates humor into her lessons and classroom conversations, Kenney can frequently be heard laughing at her jokes (and her students).
Corbin Kopetzky is arguably overdependent on his precious cup of joe and may or may not be in violation of the fire code by having a coffee pot hidden in his classroom. (Riley McNeil)

Most Caffeinated: Corbin Kopetzky

History teacher Corbin Kopetzky can rarely be found without a cup of coffee or some other form of caffeine in his hand. Kopetzky is arguably overdependent on his precious cup of joe and may or may not be in violation of the fire code by having a coffee pot hidden in his classroom.
Any student of history teacher Zach Wood, history teacher Corbin Kopetzky, or science teacher Collin Ferebee is sure to have some experience with the trio’s close bond. (Riley McNeil)

Best Teacher Besties: Zach Wood, Collin Ferebee, and Corbin Kopetzky

Any student of history teacher Zach Wood, history teacher Corbin Kopetzky, or science teacher Collin Ferebee is sure to have some experience with the trio’s close bond. These three musketeers can often be found joking around in the hallways, collaborating on lessons, coaching the women’s soccer team, and working together to host events like the annual military history museum, supporting one another both in and out of the classroom. Whatever the trio is up to, it's clear that their friendship is just as strong as their teaching.
With her background in veterinary medicine, knowledge of biology, and comforting demeanor, Dr. Taylor would be sure to calm your nerves and keep you company if you’re ever in a tough situation.

Best Teacher to Ride in an Ambulance with: Dr. Georgia Taylor

Dr. Georgia Taylor is well known for always being dependable and dedicated, whether she’s teaching a lesson to her biology students or leading them in their daily yoga session. With her background in veterinary medicine, knowledge of biology, and comforting demeanor, Dr. Taylor would be sure to calm your nerves and keep you company if you’re ever in a tough situation.
According to students, CTE teacher Mike Meeks gives off boat-builder vibes. (Silas Marion)

Most Likely to Share They Have Built a Boat: Mike Meeks

According to students, CTE teacher Mike Meeks gives off boat-builder vibes. While he might not yet have constructed a sea vessel of his own, his experience as one of Davie’s technology, engineering, and design teachers suggests that it’s only a matter of time.
If “Vogue” ever does a feature on “Educator Chic,” Assistant Principal Alvin Rubin is always camera-ready! (Silas Marion)

Most Likely to be on the Cover of “Vogue”: Alvin Rubin

Assistant Principal Alvin Rubin is well-known among students and staff for his iconic turtleneck sweaters and sophisticated demeanor. Whether he’s patrolling the hallways or performing administrative duties, students and staff agree that Rubin exudes supermodel energy. If “Vogue” ever does a feature on “Educator Chic,” Rubin is always camera-ready!

Student Choice Awards

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About the Contributors

Carden Stroud, Junior Content Editor

Carden Stroud is a Junior Content Editor for the 2024-2025 school year. Along with this role, she is also a member of the SURF Board and Student Council. She is currently a sophomore and has been a member of the Talon for two years. After high school, Carden plans to attend a four-year university and major in political science.

Sylas Johnson, Staff Writer

Sylas Johnson is a staff writer for the Weekly Talon. He serves as an Ambassador for the Davie Respect Initiative and is an active member of the SURF Board, Student Council, History of the Vietnam War Club, and Mock Trial team. Sylas plays the oboe in the school band and a local youth orchestra, and he also plays piano at his church. He plans to attend a four-year university before pursuing a law degree.

Riley McNeil, Staff Writer