The classroom is quiet as students focus on their work. Suddenly, the door opens and Principal Michelle Kefford walks in with Debra Hixon, surprising everyone. Cynthia Beach is caught off guard, confused as to why they are there. As they approach her closer though, a flash of realization appears across her face: she is being awarded the Hixon’s Hero Award.

On Sept. 9, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School AICE General Paper teacher Cynthia Beach was honored with the Hixon’s Hero Award for her outstanding work encouraging students in the classroom.

The Hixon’s Hero Award is a special prize given to teachers at Broward County Public Schools who go above and beyond in their efforts to help students learn and grow. This award was created by Debra Hixon in memory of her late husband Chris Hixon, who died in the Feb. 14, 2018 shooting at MSD.

Beach was surprised when Kefford, along with Debra Hixon, came into her classroom to present her with the award.

“I was confused as to why they were there,” Beach said. “But I was very appreciative when I was given the honor, which I’m still thankful for to this day.”

To win the Hixon’s Hero Award, a teacher must be nominated by someone from the community, like a parent or student. Beach was nominated by a parent, who praised her as an amazing and caring teacher.

“Beach is genuinely the most inspiring and nurturing teacher we have ever encountered,” Lilian Dumke, the parent who nominated Beach, said. “She fully engages her students in every novel they study and brings elements from the novels into the classroom, creating a transformative learning experience. She consistently encourages her students to think critically and express themselves creatively.”

Receiving the Hixon’s Hero Award is a big honor for teachers like Beach, who go beyond just teaching lessons. She has built a close relationship with her students and cares deeply about their well-being. They know they can go to her for help not just with schoolwork, but with personal problems too.

“She genuinely cares about what is going on with our lives and you know you can tell that she does it because she likes it, not because she has to and you know, she kinda just fell in love with it,” junior Logan Weitzner said.

Beach not only helps students in class, but also takes time out of her day to help students study before and after classes. Beach spends extra time tutoring students, making sure they feel confident and ready for the tests they have. Beach’s effort has helped many students improve in their classes.

“We are always excited when people recognize our amazing staff,” Kefford said. “We have so many great people who work here and it is really nice when people outside of the school go out of their way to honor them. Mrs. Beach is very deserving of this award. She has helped many students at MSD succeed.”

Beach is very grateful for this amazing opportunity and extremely happy that she got the recognition many students believe she deserves. She feels honored and grateful that they chose her, especially considering the number of talented and hardworking teachers at MSD.

By winning the Hixon’s Hero Award, Beach has proven that she is the perfect example of a great teacher. She truly cares about her students and helps them succeed in school and in life. This has been evidenced by the many students and parents who have expressed this sentiment time and time again. Receiving the Hixon’s Hero Award shows how much she is valued by people in the community.

Many parents believe that students who have Beach as a teacher are truly in the best hands. Beach tries her best to help every student who crosses her path achieve their goals.