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While unfortunately having to settle for a virtual announcement, the Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) is proud to name Kennedy High School’s Bray Roman as its 2020 ‘Teacher of the Year.’ The official announcement came at the District’s Board of Education meeting April 22nd. Roman was selected from a group of nominees representing all 42 FUSD schools.

“To receive such a high distinction among my colleagues is humbling, and leaves me reflecting on the teachers of FUSD who have sacrificed and worked relentlessly for their classes,” Roman said. “These teachers are not there for accolades, but rather for the greatness that lies within each of their students.” 

“Bray Roman has a profound effect on our students. He builds confidence in the students who need it most, and goes even further in building community and trust among them and among each other,” added Kennedy High School Principal Edward Velez.  “He teaches resilience, trust, accountability, and self-advocacy. The thing about Bray that makes him special is that he chooses to teach intervention for students in need all day, and in a structured and supportive setting. Bray is a hero. He is a gift to this school and our entire community.”

Roman is a FUSD alum attending Millard Elementary, Horner Junior High, and Kennedy High School. After graduating, he attended Ohlone College and transferred to Chico State, majoring in Physical Education-Teacher Education with a minor in Health Science. Upon his graduation from Chico State, Roman became the first college graduate on both sides of his family. He furthered his education at the University of San Francisco, receiving a Master’s Degree in teaching. Now in his 16th year of teaching, Roman has spent the last four years at his alma mater in the classroom and coaching football - carrying on the legacy of his coach and mentor, Coach Pete Michaletos, who spent 46 years at Kennedy.

“Coach Mike has always been a guiding light in my family's life, and I feel great honor knowing that I can share in his experience as a professional educator,” Roman explained. 

For the Teacher of the Year Award, each FUSD school nominates one teacher for consideration. In addition to Roman, finalists included Catherine Diaz-Centeno from Cabrillo Elementary, Brittany Martino-Weinhardt from Robertson High School, Erica Metz from Glankler Early Learning Center, Rochelle Oral from Fremont Adult and Continuing Education, Zahra Pelayo from Warwick Elementary, Matt Shaffer from Horner Junior High School and Keri Smith from Brier Elementary. See video of the full list of nominees here. Roman will represent FUSD at the Alameda County 2020 ‘Teacher of the Year’ Celebration in October.