Announcing the winners of the 2008 Champion of School Choice Award
The Florida Public School Choice Consortium announced the winners of the Dr. Carlo Rodriguez Champion of School Choice Award at the June 17, 2008 State Board of Education Meeting in Tampa, Florida. These awards were to recognize those who continue the work of the Past Executive Director of the Office of Independent Education 
and Parental Choice, Dr. Carlo Rodriguez, who died suddenly on June 22, 2007. These awards, which include a plaque and a beautiful sculpture with Carlo's motto (Do It For The Children) are to recognize outstanding individuals and/or district representative who best personifies attention to public school choice options for Florida's families and children. In addition Nova Southeastern University, Fischler School of Education and Human Services (FSEHS) provides half scholarships to a Master's program and one to a Doctoral program. The recipient is expected to pursue some form of school choice research in their studies.
Ms. MaryEllen Elia, Superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools, was awarded a half scholarship to Nova Southeastern University for the Doctoral Program. Ms. Carla McMullen, School Choice Specialist of Polk County Schools, was awarded a half scholarship to Nova Southeastern University for the Masters Degree Program.
- FPSCC President's Presentation of Awards
- Champion of School Choice Award Winners
Award winners Mary Ellen Elia and Carla McMullen, on both sides of Elia Castillo (Carlo Rodriguez's mother),
with the Commissioner of Education and the Chairman and Florida State Board of Education Board Members
Left to right: Linda K. Taylor (Board Member), Mary Ellen Elia (Award Recipient), Elia Castillo (Carlo's Mother), Carla McMullen (Award Recipient), T. Willard Fair (Chairman), Dr. Eric Smith (Commissioner of Education), Kathleen M. Shanahan (Board Member), (Board Member), Phoebe Raulerson (Board Member), Roberto Martinez (Board Member)