Sheriff Rick Staly and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office recognized three outstanding students with the monthly “Great Kid” Award on January 15, 2026, honoring one student each at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. One of the honorees also took home a special bonus recognition — spending an entire day shadowing the sheriff himself.
About the Award
The “Great Kid” Award is presented each month during the school year to students who stand out for respecting their peers, helping others, working hard academically, and representing their schools with good character. Students are nominated by School Resource Deputies (SRDs) and school employees. Sheriff Staly, Youth Services Section Commander Jennifer Nawrocki, and School Resource Unit Sergeant Shane Meehan presented the awards alongside school resource deputies and school officials.
“We’re excited to be able to recognize these great students who excel in all areas,” said Sheriff Staly. “They make their schools a better place and are all very well-deserving of this recognition.”
Elementary School: LeVadre “Julio” Brock
LeVadre “Julio” Brock, a fourth grader at Bunnell Elementary School, received the elementary-level award. His SRD and teachers described him as “a caring, respectful student who strives to do the best that he can on a daily basis. He exhibits great leadership skills and focuses on his academics, providing a great example for his fellow peers to follow. He exemplifies the true personality traits of a ‘Great Kid,’ and we are so proud of him, and we are lucky to have him as part of our school family!”
Middle School: Chase Sylvester
Chase Sylvester, an eighth grader at Imagine School at Town Center, received the middle school-level honor. Those who nominated him said he is “a student that everyone can depend on. He is always willing to help when anybody is in need.” Sylvester is the fourth of his family’s children to attend Imagine School, and his nominators noted that all of his siblings have been exceptional students as well. He currently serves as president of the school’s National Junior Honor Society. “His future is limitless with the character he portrays on a daily basis,” his nominators wrote.
High School: Karina Marcelus
Karina Marcelus, a senior at Flagler Palm Coast High School, received the high school-level award. Her SRDs and teachers described her as “a student who exemplifies academic commitment and personal integrity. She is a dedicated scholar and active member of the track team. Karina consistently demonstrates discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic in both her academic and athletic pursuits. She continues to mature as a leader and role model, exhibiting excellent character, and a positive, respectful demeanor. We are proud to recognize Karina as a valued member of the FPC family!”
“Win a Day with the Sheriff” Contest
In addition to her Great Kid Award, Marcelus was also named the winner of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office annual “Win a Day with the Sheriff” essay contest. Sheriff Staly named her Honorary Sheriff for the day. The two visited the other schools together to help present the other Great Kid Awards, stopped by WNZF News Radio in Bunnell where Staly recorded spots for upcoming events, shared lunch, and toured the Flagler County Sheriff’s Operations Center.
“Karina is an amazing student and has a bright future,” Sheriff Staly said. “She is an example of an amazing young adult.”
For more information about the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and its youth programs, visit www.flaglersheriff.com.
The post Three Flagler County Students Honored with Sheriff’s “Great Kid” Award for January 2026 first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
