King High Band Director Named Hillsborough County Teacher Of Year

TAMPA, FL -- When a music teacher is named Teacher of the Year, it's only natural that he begins his acceptance speech with a song.

That's just what Dakeyan Graham, known to his students as Dr. Dre, did Thursday night at Hillsborough County's Excellence in Education awards ceremony at the David A. Straz Center for Performing Arts.

The King High School band director was among several outstanding school district employees honored during the evening.

Newsome High School reading teacher Sandra Misciasci received the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award.

And Dover Elementary School secretary Barbara Maxwell received the award for Instructional Support Employee of the Year.

Newly elected Hillsborough County School Board member Steve Cona said it was inspiring to hear students speak so fondly of their teachers.

"It was an amazing evening celebrating our incredible teachers and support staff," he said.

Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins took the opportunity to tout the school district's accomplishments.

In 2018, the district's graduation rate reached an all-time high -- 85.8 percent.

That rate is 2.9 percent higher than last year and 12.3 percent higher than 2014.

"This highlights the determination of students and the dedication of teachers and staff who work with them every day," said Eakins. "This increase in our graduation rate should be celebrated across our community. We all play an important part in student success."

The night's meal was prepared by the culinary students at Leto High School.

Photos and video via Hillsborough School District

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