Congratulations to
Life-Changing Teaching Award Nominee
JOVANA MAXIMILIEN
CUTLER BAY MIDDLE
STUDENT RECOGNITION STORY
It is truly an honor to nominate Ms. Max, who served as Aiden’s 8th grade Coast and Physical Science teacher. She is also an amazing and dedicated part of the COAST program.
Ms. Max is always willing to take learning to the next level. She brings energy, creativity, and innovation into her classroom. Through hands-on science experiments, interactive lessons, and real-world applications, she makes Physical Science exciting and meaningful for her students.
One of the things that truly sets her apart is how she integrates creativity and technology into her teaching. She teaches students how to use Canva to design projects and presentations, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and creativity alongside scientific knowledge. She understands that learning today goes beyond textbooks — it’s about preparing students for the real world.
She was also deeply involved in the unforgettable COAST experiences — kayaking, snorkeling, shark tagging, environmental exploration, and hands-on marine learning. She helped connect classroom science to real-life ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of protecting our environment and understanding how science applies to the world around us.
Ms. Max creates an environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, try new things, and grow. She challenges them while supporting them every step of the way.
She is an amazing soul, an invaluable part of COAST, and absolutely deserving of this recognition.
Aiden Da Cruz
To see more exceptional teacher nominees, visit The Honor Roll.
