Suzanne Cribbs was elected to the Florida Strawberry Festival’s associate board of directors Tuesday, Jan. 10.
Cribbs was elected to fill the position that became vacant when Jon Poppell was promoted to the board of directors in September. Cribbs serves as the gifted consultant at Tomlin Middle School, where she also teaches seventh and eighth grade honors language arts on the school’s STEM team.
In 2016, she was chosen Teacher of the Year by her peers.
“The (Florida) Strawberry Festival is part of my heritage,” Cribbs said in a statement. “I have enjoyed volunteering and helping to make a positive difference. I am honored to be part of the organization that my dad was involved in for so many years, and look forward to working as an associate director.”
Cribbs’ late father, Jim Walden, was a festival director for 20 years. Cribbs and her mother, Linda Walden, have co-chaired the festival’s annual fashion show for the past 26 years. In addition, Cribbs has volunteered with the annual Grand Parade, youth livestock judging, poultry and rabbit shows and the festival’s ambassador team.
The Florida Strawberry Festival’s board of directors is comprised of 30 people, with 14 serving as directors and 16 serving as associate directors.
“Suzanne is a hard worker who has already contributed so much t the festival through her extensive volunteer work,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Dan Walden said. “We are thrilled to have someone who loves the festival so much join us in a leadership role.”