Since 2006, the University of Florida has honored Outstanding Young Alumni whose achievements positively impact The Gator Nation. 40 Gators Under 40 continues the tradition of honoring Gators who are going greater in their communities and professions.
Recipients are nominated annually by their college and honored during the UF Alumni Association’s Orange & Blue week festivities. Criteria for the award include being less than 40 years old, making a significant impact on their industry and having professional accomplishments at the State, National or International level.
This year a remarkable EduGator, Rebecca Benton, joined the 2032 honorees.
Rebecca Benton ( B.A. ‘11; M.Ed. ’12)
Rebecca Benton was born to two educators and raised in Fort Pierce, FL. She always knew she would return to the community that molded her. As a proud graduate of Saint Lucie County Schools, she now serves them as a Reading Interventionist at Fort Pierce Westwood Academy. She graduated from the University of Florida, on the Dean’s List, with her Master’s and Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a specialization in Literacy.
She has focused her career in education on giving all learners a strong foundation of self-worth and a curiosity for knowledge. Rebecca excels in enhancing the curriculum with arts integration and STEAM-based projects. Her efforts have been recognized through various awards such as Teacher of the Year. She has also authored and secured several grants and donations, such as the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant, bringing close to $20,000 back to her schools.
When asked what some of the best advice you’ve ever received, Rebecca said, “Stay focused on today and the people you want in your tomorrow.”
She married her high school sweetheart (a fellow Gator) and is raising her two young boys to be future Gators, always seeking ways they can help the “Gator Good”.
Rebecca Benton
