- December 2, 2024
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Kimberlain Zenon remembered being a science teacher years ago at Braden River Middle School standing against the rail of the second floor hallway looking down into the courtyard.
At the time, she was watching the school's Veterans Day event. She always was in awe of the student performances on that particular day, as well as the community's support for veterans. She also said she always was impressed by the annual mosaic students created for the event.
But this year's Veterans Day event Nov. 8 was different.
Zenon, who is now principal, didn't know Jason Wysong, the superintendent of the School District of Manatee County, was there to make a special announcement.
Zenon had been selected as the School District of Manatee County's Principal of the Year.
"I just burst into tears," Zenon said. "I couldn't keep it together. I was extremely shocked. The best day of the year is when we honor veterans, so this just kind of topped it off. It made it the best day ever."
Zenon said she still hasn't quite wrapped her mind around the recognition.
For the past 28 years, Zenon has been connected to Braden River Middle in some way. She grew up in Manatee County and her children went to Braden River Middle.
She started her career in education in 1996 as a teacher at Braden River Middle. Zenon then went on to become assistant principal at the school in 2012 and served in that position until 2016 when she moved to Lee Middle School. In 2019, Zenon returned to Braden River Middle, but this time as principal.
"I learned everything I know here," Zenon said.
Her principalship has not come without its challenges.
As she was starting out as principal of Braden River Middle in 2019, she was told the district would start a campus-wide renovation and construct a classroom addition, all while students were on campus. The School Board of Manatee County also was making decisions regarding rezoning, which impacted Braden River Middle.
By the end of the 2019-2020 school year, her students were no longer in the classroom as the COVID-19 pandemic shut schools down.
In 2020-2021, her teachers had to adjust to educating students on three different levels — virtually, in person and by using a hybrid of the two — as the pandemic lingered.
When all students returned to the classroom in the 2021-2022 school year, teachers noticed a lack of motivation and a decrease in attendance.
Zenon created the Strive with PRIDE (positivity, responsibility, integrity, determination and excellence) program. If students completed and turned in all their assignments, they would receive a ticket. Four or more tickets earned them a free period once per quarter in which they could spend the time on their cell phones, play field games outside or participate in other activities. Zenon led and supervised the program to ensure it wouldn't add more to teachers' workload.
"It is the most rewarding day because it's not just what we consider the higher level kids. It's everyone who has worked hard and did their work who earned the reward," she said.
The 2022-2023 year meant construction was finally over and the campus was semi-normal as the staff and administrators began to decorate and put finishing touches on the newly renovated school.
Fast forward to 2024-2025 and there were two major hurricanes in two weeks, closing school for eight days.
"It has definitely been lots of work, lots of sweat, sometimes tears trying to get kids to get here and get to work, but the teachers were amazing through that," Zenon said.
No matter her position, she said she's always student driven. She wants to instill a love for learning in her students and making a positive impact on the community. There have many bright spots along the way.
In 2010 when she was a science teacher, she incorporated her lessons on earthquakes into a fundraiser for Chile, which had devastating earthquakes. The school hosted a fair on campus and raised $4,000 for earthquake relief efforts.
"It was those kinds of things that have taught me along the way that you can't be successful without kids, teachers, the whole community being involved," Zenon said.
This year, custodians Jermaine Keys, Craig Keys and head custodian Emanuel Harris produced a school song, which unveiled Zenon's secret talent — singing.
Although hesitant at first, Zenon sang a solo in front of the school with pride.
Zenon said receiving the Principal of the Year honor has confirmed that she and the school are moving in the right direction as they overcome challenges, celebrate successes and see the students and teachers progress.
