Trina Middleton, Education Director at the Jacksonville School for Autism, was announced as a 2020 Bryant® True Hero Award Winner in October 2020. The award was presented by Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning General Manager Amy O’Grady as part of a national program to honor people who have gone above and beyond to make a difference in their communities.

Mrs. Middleton was honored to accept the title and is the third Jacksonville, FL Bryant True Hero Award Winner. “This project has always been a unique way to extend our appreciation and support to a Jacksonville family dedicating their time to the community,” Amy stated. “This year the presentation became the most unique aspect of the process.” Trina Middleton was awarded following the current social distancing rules outside of the Jacksonville School for Autism. While she could not be among her peers or participate in the customary on-field presentation with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Minor League Baseball team, the Award Ceremony still held its significance and will be a moment to remember during such an unprecedented year. Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning was willing to do whatever it takes in the community to recognize this local Hero.

Trina has dedicated her life to children with special needs. She has worked very hard to facilitate the ability for students to receive remote learning during Covid-19. A mother of 2 grown children and 3 adopted siblings under the age of 5, she goes above and beyond in every way, every day. She may not be on the front lines with Covid as a nurse but she has lived on the front lines of Autism for over 20 years, impacting the lives of her students and families. She is a True Hero every day! “Trina is a gifted individual with children and it takes a special person to connect with children with developmental disabilities,” said Michelle Dunham, Executive Director of the Jacksonville School for Autism. “She has not only touched my life and my precious child’s life, but so many other families and children who have been blessed by her love and commitment.”

“Upon meeting Trina Middleton it was evident that she was unaware of how much impact she had on her peers and community,” Amy continued. “She was not expecting the award thanks to all the planning to keep it a surprise even in the midst of stricter requirements. While most of her expression was hidden behind a mask as she entered the outdoor courtyard you could tell from the gratefulness in her eyes she was just as generous as she was described.”

“Here at Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning, we realize the importance of an Educator like Trina Middleton,” said Charlie Marks, owner of Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning. “As a Trades based company, we depend on Educators to develop a variety of talents in students. Not just traditional tactics but also a hands-on approach to help the next generation of trades workers prosper. It takes a true hero to do something that so greatly impacts the lives of others while living through a challenge pandemic at the same time. Trina’s ability to adapt her teaching around the needs of her students is a gift that will set her students up for success in the years to come. We are thankful for the impact Trina has made on the students in our community.

We know that Trina is setting a foundation of success for her students and those she influences around her. The Jacksonville Community sees her as an impactful Educator for the Autistic in Jacksonville and we are privileged to know her as our True Hero.”

Charlie’s Tropic Heating & Air Conditioning partnered with CE, Bryant’s Florida distributor, and Bryant Heating & Cooling to install a new HVAC system for this local Jacksonville family.

Bryant True Heroes Award

The Bryant True Hero Award is a way to thank people who go out if their way to help others and positively impact their communities. Not often recognized for their efforts, Bryant True Heroes are real people who are making a difference in their communities every day without stopping for a moment to receive recognition for their actions.
To learn more about the Bryant True Heroes Program, contact your local CE representative.