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Richard Hernandez Chosen NHS Teacher of the Year

The faculty of Niceville High School recently selected Richard Hernandez as “Teacher of the Year” for 2008-2009. He currently teaches four classes of Gifted Education, one World History Honors and one American History Honors class. In addition Hernandez sponsors the Japanese Anime Club and Chess Club.

He also directs the the NaGISA project at Niceville High School which serves as a model for similar NaGISA High School Initiatives world wide. The NaGISA High School Initiative at NHS is a student- run organization with faculty mentoring assistance and is affiliated with the 50-year NaGISA biodiversity study of the world’s coastlines and the close-in waters to a depth of 20 meters.

Hernandez, a veteran teacher of Okaloosa County and Niceville High School, holds a Bachelors of Art in History and Masters in Education in Broad Spectrum Social Science.

NICEVILLE'S DON GAETZ NAMED CHAIR OF Senate Select Committee on Florida’s Economy

Tallahassee, Fl - Describing economic recovery as the most important issue facing Florida and in keeping with his urgent desire to begin a thorough analysis of the economy and budget, Senate President Jeff Atwater today named State Senator Don Gaetz as the chair of the Senate Select Committee on Florida’s Economy. State Senator Jeremy Ring will serve as the Vice Chair and the other committee members will include Senators Alexander, Haridopolos, Pruitt, King, Richter, Bennett, Gelber, Sobel, and Hill.

“I have selected Senator Gaetz because of his extensive knowledge and direct experience in the business economy,” President Atwater said. “This committee will conduct an independent, thorough analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Florida’s financial infrastructure and regulatory policies in order to promote an environment of economic success for all Floridians.”

“Government doesn’t create prosperity and Florida’s economic downturn is part of an international and national recession,” Senator Gaetz said, “However, President Atwater is committed to our taking every possible action at the state level to improve the economic odds for Florida’s families and businesses. In the long-term, the best way to deal with revenue shortfalls is to lay the foundation for economic growth.”

The Select Committee will have the authority to propose legislation that will create incentives and eliminate impediments to economic recovery and growth. Additionally, it will develop policies that will cause government to function more simply, more transparently, less expensively and more effectively.

“This committee is not your standard governmental panel with an open-ended calendar and vague mandates,” Atwater said. “It is charged with identifying immediate steps and long-term policies to stimulate Florida’s economy. This is a crisis and we are treating it as such. We must ensure that Florida’s economy is competitive, productive, and secure.”

The panel is authorized to develop statutory and constitutional proposals. Initial legislation is due by the 2009 Legislative Session.