Biology teacher Mari Richardson was named 2026 VyStar Duval County Teacher of the Year. The Jean Ribault High School teacher was selected from a pool of about 180 candidates. Superintendent Christopher Bernier says “she meets students where they are, helps them to exceed their own expectations, and creates a classroom where confidence and achievement grow together.” As a thanks for her dedication to her students, Richardson won grants for her classroom, a cash prize and a new car. She’ll also go on to represent Duval at the Florida Teacher of the Year awards. Way to go!