- February 9, 2026
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As Braden River High Band Director Clifford Dawson, a finalist for the Educator of the Year award, awaited the final results Feb. 4 at Manatee Technical College, a lot of thoughts ran through his mind.
He wanted to win, of course, but he also thought any of the other three finalists were very deserving.
Stacy Freeman, the 2025 Educator of the Year, then made the announcement.
“The educator of the year is… Clifford Dawson,” Freeman announced.
“It's just nice to feel validated in what we do and to be supported and celebrated for that,” Dawson said. “I wish every teacher could get it, because everyone deserves it. I hope that I can give back as best as I possibly can and do what I can to make the profession better for teachers.”
Dawson was joined at the Excellence in Education ceremony by fellow educators, family, friends and his students.
Jared Rodriguez, a senior and percussionist at Braden River High, said Dawson was "scary" to him at first, but he took him under his wing when Rodriguez had no idea what he was doing.
“He has shown me so much love, so much kindness,” Rodriguez said. “I feel like band is a second home to me and I can go to him whenever I need to.”
Rodriguez said the advice he has received from Dawson not only applies to band, but life as well. He said he often asks himself the question “What would Mr. Dawson do?” and it has gotten him through some challenging moments.
Remi Cobucci-Reis De Oliveira, a senior who began with playing flute, said she can now play 15 instruments because of Dawson's dedication.
“Even when you feel like you have too much happening and you're not going to be able to handle it, he pushes you to do the best you can,” Cobucci-Reis De Oliveira said. “Then you realize, ‘Oh, wow. I can do that.”
“What he does for the kids is he creates a safe space — a place for the kids to be able to come in, try new things, try new instruments,” said Wendell Butler, the principal of Braden River High.
Butler said parents contact him to enroll their students at Braden River simply because they want to be part of the band program. He said that doesn’t happen unless people believe in Dawson’s leadership.
Cein Mejia, a sophomore in percussion, is one student who came to Braden River for the band. He said Dawson is incredibly welcoming to all his students.
“I give kudos to him for allowing me to express myself creatively through music,” Mejia said. “I'm excited for what he has in store for me, especially this upcoming year since I'm going to be part of a leadership team. I'm very thankful to have a director like him.”
As part of winning the Educator of the Year award, Dawson received a $5,000 cash prize, a custom prize package provided by the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Bradenton Marauders, and a Hawaii trip for two provided by Astro Skate.
Dawson's wife Brooke, said she is incredibly proud of him to see him recognized.
“He believes deeply in the power of music and education, and I have watched him pour his heart into helping students grow not just as musicians, but as people,” Brooke Dawson said. “This truly reflects the care, passion, and commitment he brings to his students every day.”
Kathleen Brown, a teacher at Braden River Middle, was one of the finalists for the award as well. She said she wishes Dawson the best of luck at the state competition.
“You don't realize how much of an impact you have until you start going through this process and hearing from everybody that you wouldn't normally hear from,” Brown said.
Derek Jensen, deputy superintendent of instructional services, said the Excellence in Education Awards is one of his favorite nights.
“We know what every teacher in our school district puts into their craft, pours into their classroom with their students, and I wish we had opportunities to honor our educators more,” Jensen said. “The teacher has a transformative power to change the trajectory of a student's life. If a student has a great teacher, research shows that it has a measurable impact on their life outcomes, their happiness and their career.”
