Temple Sinai early childhood education director honored with national Person of Valor Award
Temple Sinai educator honored with prestigious national award
Laura Freedman, longtime director of early childhood education at The Gan at Temple Sinai, was honored recently with the Person of Valor Award from the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism.
Laura Freedman is the longtime director of early childhood education at The Gan at Temple Sinai.
The national award honors early childhood professionals across the country who demonstrate exceptional innovation, advocacy, and dedication to young children and their families. Freedman was among 200 professionals under consideration for the annual ECE-RJ honor. The award spotlights Freedman’s leadership, commitment, and passion for building strong Jewish communities through early childhood education.
“Laura’s work exemplifies the heart of our field,” said Amy Damast, ECE-RJ VP for organizational growth. “Her blend of compassion, innovation, and unwavering leadership has made a lasting impact on her community and set a high standard for what Jewish early childhood education can be.”
Freedman’s leadership was especially evident in the aftermath of the 2024 Florida hurricanes. When the Temple Sinai building sustained major damage, Freedman quickly mobilized her team and was able to move the Gan program into the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida facility, ensuring minimal disruption for students and families during a time of crisis.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Freedman said. “I share this award with my incredible teachers, Temple Sinai leadership, and the families we serve. Together, we’ve created a space where children thrive and where Jewish life comes alive for the next generation.”
Sarasota County Young Lawyers offer ‘Know Your Rights’ event
The Sarasota County Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division will host “Know Your Rights,” a free legal information event, on June 21 at the Selby Public Library (1331 First St.) in downtown Sarasota.
The event will be an opportunity for the public to receive free legal guidance from local attorneys on a range of important topics affecting everyday life, including landlord-tenant issues, insurance and disaster relief, and wills and estates.
The event includes presentations for each topic, followed by time for one-on-one conversations with volunteer attorneys:
• Wills & Estates: 11-12:30 p.m.
• Landlord-Tenant Law: 1-2:30 p.m.
• Insurance & Disaster Relief: 3-4:30 p..m.
Know Your Rights is designed to empower Sarasota residents with the legal knowledge they need to navigate common challenges, even when they do not have the funds to do so. No RSVP is required but pre-registration is encouraged. Visit tinyurl.com/ProBono2025 for information.
Two Booker HS grads honored with Arts for Life! scholarships
Mariajose Ochoa Nava and Ada Voight from Booker High School were among 25 students in Florida who were recently honored with Arts for Life! scholarships by former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and first lady Columba Bush.
Mrs. Bush established Arts for Life! scholarship program in 1999 to recognize the creativity and artistic talents of Florida’s high school students. The program has awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships to 625 students.
Ochoa Nava was recognized for creative writing and Voight for visual art. The 2025 winners, who were selected from more than 600 high school seniors, were recently celebrated at a luncheon and awards ceremony at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County.
Around and about
Cleetus McFarland, a car enthusiast and YouTube phenomenon (4.4 million subscribers), recently hosted a critically ill 13-year-old boy from North Carolina at his Freedom Factory (formerly Desoto Speedway) in Bradenton. Pete, who is battling leukemia, received VIP treatment from Cletus and his crew, including a tour of the Freedom Factory, gifts, and a spin on the racetrack. The trip by Pete and his family was made possible by Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. Visit sfla.wish.org and cleetusmcfarland.com.
· The Mayors’ Feed the Hungry Program is co-sponsoring a Juneteenth Celebration on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mount Raymond Baptist Church, 2410 Fourth Ave. E., Palmetto. The event includes a food drive/giveaway and free cookout. Donations can be dropped off 10 a.m.-noon; early donations: Scott Biehler at 941-350-6075; [email protected].
· Town Square University Parkway will host an art exhibit, “Together We Blossom: Birds, Butterflies & Botanicals,” showcasing the creative spirit of older adults on June 26 from 4:30-8 p.m. (8450 Lockwood Ridge Road, Sarasota). Auction, refreshments, live music. Event benefits All 4 the Members, Suncoast Aging Network, and Meals on Wheels Sarasota. RSVP: tinyurl.com/47xnfz3a.
· The Stars Academy Scholarship Fund of Charlotte County is seeking community members to join a planning committee for Art Under the Stars, a new fundraising event. Art Under the Stars will feature a live art auction, interactive exhibits, and storytelling in support of accessible, high-quality early childhood education. Contact Kelly Hunter, director of marketing, at [email protected] or 941-626-0220 (ext. 4).
· Early Learning Corps is seeking tutors in Manatee County to help young students build strong skills. No teaching experience needed. Tutors are trained and paid to serve on-site at a local school for 37.5, 27.5, or 20.5 hours a week. Info: tinyurl.com/42ajtxaa.
Submissions by Barbara Fraser, Laurie Lachowitzer, Forest T. Sutton, Jennifer Wagner, Stu Opperman, Scott Biehler, Skyler Betts, Kelly Hunter, and Erin Mathe.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Temple Sinai educator honored with national Person of Valor Award
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