Sheriff Rick Staly and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office have announced the recipients of the monthly “Great Kid” Award for February 2026, honoring one outstanding student each at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Chief Deputy Joe Barile, Investigative Services Division Chief Agustin “Augie” Rodriguez, Youth Services Section Commander Jennifer Nawrocki, and School Resource Unit Sergeant Shane Meehan joined school resource deputies and school officials to present the awards.
About the Award
The “Great Kid” Award is given each month during the school year to students who stand out for respecting their peers, helping others, working hard academically, and representing their schools and themselves with strong character. Students are nominated by School Resource Deputies and school employees.
“It’s great to be able to recognize these students who are models to their peers,” said Sheriff Staly. “They excel both in and out of the classroom, and they are all very well-deserving of this award.”
Elementary School: Violeta Valencia
Violeta Valencia, a fifth grader at Wadsworth Elementary School, received the elementary-level award. Her SRD and teachers described her as “consistently demonstrating exceptional role model qualities that make her an outstanding young individual. She is a dedicated safety patrol officer and participates in other school activities. She is always pleasant and welcoming, making everyone around her feel at ease. Her helpful nature is inspiring, and she’s always willing to lend a hand, supporting other students when needed. Violeta has strong leadership qualities, takes initiative and motivates others leading by example. She’s a true asset to her community and deserving of this award.”
Middle School: Alina Smalls
Alina Smalls, a seventh grader at Buddy Taylor Middle School, received the middle school-level award. Those who nominated her described her as “a respectful student who consistently demonstrates good manners and a positive attitude. She engages appropriately with staff and peers, treating others with kindness and consideration and is a wonderful role model. Alina puts forth strong effort in her work and always tries her best, making her a positive presence in the school environment. We are proud to recognize Alina as a valued member of the BTMS family!”
High School: Kevin Shanahan
Kevin Shanahan, an 11th grader at Matanzas High School, received the high school-level award after a specific act of honesty caught the attention of school staff. Shanahan recently found a wallet on campus containing both cash and identification and immediately turned it in so it could be returned to its owner. His nominators said the act “reflected a high level of integrity, honesty, and personal responsibility. Kevin did the right thing without hesitation which speaks volumes about his character. We are incredibly proud of the stand-up choices Kevin demonstrated with this gesture. His actions have not gone unnoticed as he represented himself and his family extremely well. He is a young man who understands the importance of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
