WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A sweet salute was given to the outgoing Miami-Dade Schools Superintendent, and for this goodbye, he went back to a beginning.

“I will miss you each and every one of you,” said Carvalho.

After nearly 15 years as the Miami-Dade County PublicSschools Superintendent, Alberto Carvalho said goodbye.

“It has been my honor, the honor of my lifetime, to be your colleague,” said Carvalho.

In one of his last public appearances, before heading west to become L.A.’s new school leader, he addressed a room full of Miami-Dade School employees, thanking them for their dedication and a lifetime of memories.

“It has been my honor to have fought alongside you. It has been my privilege to be in your classrooms, and see magic unfold every single minute,” said Carvalho.

Also at Thursday’s event, a celebration took place as he, alongside other district leaders, announced Unethia Fox as the 2023 Teacher of the Year.

Fox teaches special education mathematics at South Miami Senior High School, and was awarded with $10,500 and a brand new car for her achievement.

“The work I do with my students validates that I’m living my purpose,” said Fox.

Hours earlier, iPrep Academy, the school he founded 10 years ago, and also served as the principal, surprised him with a sweet sendoff, with songs, hugs and handshakes and a tribute that even brought tears to their soon to be former leader’s eyes.

“You made me cry today, of happiness. Thank you so much, there’s no gift in the world that could ever out match or replace this moment,” said Carvalho.

His last official day is next week.

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