The Miami HEAT kicked off the 2015-16 school year in Broward County by welcoming back the students and teachers at Dillard Elementary School on Monday, August 24th. HEAT player Amar’e Stoudemire along with the HEAT Dancers, HEAT mascot, Burnie, and Uptown Dale hosted a pep rally at the school and distributed school supplies to select students by visiting their classrooms. Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie, Florida State District 31 Senator, Christopher L. Smith, Vice Mayor of the City of Fort Lauderdale and District 3 Commissioner, Robert L. McKinzie, andFlorida State District 94 Representative, Bobby B. Dubose, were also in attendance.
“This is an exciting time of year for our students and families. We are thrilled to partner with the Miami HEAT to kick off the new school year at Dillard Elementary School,” said Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Robert W. Runcie. “We applaud the Miami HEAT organization for its commitment to partnering with our schools. The leadership, perseverance and dedication of team members, both on and off the court, enhance students’ motivation to excel and succeed.”
The HEAT selected Dillard Elementary School because of its great academic accomplishments and the strong support it receives from the community and dedicated staff. Under the leadership of Principal Angela Brown, winner of the 2015 Broward County Public Schools Caliber Award for Principal of the Year, Dillard Elementary School has increased enrollment by 100% in three years to over 800 students in 2014-15. Dillard Elementary was also recently removed from the lowest 100 performing school list in the State of Florida, as academic growth was shown in all the areas of reading, math and science. The school has also created a variety of beneficial programs for their students, including a program giving students the opportunity to tour major universities and mentoring programs ensuring that students receive the skills needed for their future.