Denise Tarver
Position: School Security
School: Orange Technical College - Westside
School District: Orange County Public Schools
City, State: Winter Garden, FL
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Denise Tarver was nominated by her school's senior director, Crystal Davidson.
Officer Tarver is a LifeChanger in her personal and professional lives. She is active in her church, community, and campus. There is a celebratory day planned in her honor next summer in her hometown: The Denise Tarver Day.
Officer Tarver has a proven record of excellent performance at the professional level. She retired from the Apopka Police Department. She worked as a Security Officer at Orange County Public School’s (OCPS) Apopka High School for 17 years. Today, she is the Security Officer at OCPS’s Orange Technical College’s Westside Campus.
At OTC Westside, she is affectionately referred to as Officer Tarver, or, “O.T.” Each day, she works alongside members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. She trains them on the day’s workload and makes sure it is carried out. She offers encouragement to all of the students and colleagues she comes in contact with each day. Her demeanor is always positive, refreshing, and uplifting, whether she's with visitors, colleagues, or students. She treats everyone equally.
“Officer Tarver continually works to assure Orange Technical College’s Westside Campus is safe and orderly while also watching out for people in need," said Robert Moody, building maintenance apprenticeship coordinator. "She has positively changed the lives of so many people on our campus and in the community.”
Officer Tarver is always willing to jump on board or spearhead programs or events on her campus, church, or in the community. This year, she initiated and led the Second Annual Turkey Drive – Bikes Up, Guns Down in her hometown. There were 200 families who received turkeys for Thanksgiving who otherwise would not have one.
Officer Tarver is a moral, ethical role model for the youth on campus, in her church, and in her community. She is a Youth Leader in her church. She also works with the ZAPT Scholarship Program, which awards 20 deserving recipients with $500 in scholarship money after they have enrolled in community college, a university, or technical college.
Officer Tarver has gone over and above what it means to be a LifeChanger by proving to make a beneficial difference in the lives of students, while creating and maintaining a positive school atmosphere. She exceeds all expectations in leadership roles. She maintains a record of excellence in her professional life. Officer Tarver creates a nurturing atmosphere on campus, in church, and in the community. She maintains high moral and ethical standards.
Officer Tarver has spent countless hours, in the community trying to make a difference in the lives of the residents of the Apopka community, She's definitely a game changer,Your family, classmates, friends and families of Apopka support you ? Game Changer you Are Denise.
Denise is a life long resident of Apopka,Denise always been a strong smart young lady, That always believed in helping others, Honoring her for this special Memorial is well deserving, You've made Apopka Florida Proud. And I'm glad you're a special piece of our Class of 74,
I recently got to work and meet OT over the past year working at Westside Tech as an off duty resource officer. Hearing OT speak of her days with Apopka PD and her stories and knowledge is Inspiring. She is one of the hardest working people I have ever met!! I can see why she is considered a life changer.
Denise, OT, as I call her, has always been a team player. I've known OT all of my life. She's has always been a public servant. She doesn't seek accolades. She seeks solutions and results. Her creativity and attention to detail makes working with her a pleasure. For our church functions, she would decorate so beautifully, in secret. She brings light to the lives of others, with her infectious smile and warm conversation. She really is a Life Changer!
Officer Tarver is someone who always put’s others needs before her own. She works everyday with a smile on her face no matter the circumstances. I went to Apopka High School where Officer Tarver was the security guard. When I injured my foot and was subjected to crutches, she would drive me across campus no questions asked. It is these impactful acts of kindness that stick with you years down the road. I know of many people that can attest to the impact she has had on everyone’s life at Apopka High School. She is truly one of a kind and is much deserving of this honor.
Denise Tarver is, THE PHENOMENAL WOMAN: remarkable, extraordinary, exceptional, leader, A LIFE CHANGER.
I have known Denise over 40 years. She has committed her life to serving others. Her service as APOPKA POLICE OFFICER for over 20 years. Her devotion to our youth at Apopka High School as UNIFORMED SECURITY OFFICER over 20 years and her on- going services in the community ;(Thanksgiving- turkey give away, shop with the cops- bikes give away, food drives, etc).
I am President of ZAPT, a service organization.that serves the needs of the community with a focus on our youth. Denise serves as Financial Secretary and has spearheaded fundraisers to give scholarships to over 50 graduating. SENIORS. She has gone above and beyond to personally give to our recipients.. Denise also serves as a youth leader at her church. She is well rounded, a role model and practices what she teaches.
Denise is a shaker and a mover and willing to serve at all times and never seeks for recognition. She is well deserving of this award.
OT. Ain’t enough great things to say about OT! Always has been a stand up woman and a great example. I played basketball and having OT apart of that, was amazing. It was a plus actually, I actually was introduced to her from church and at school as she secured our school. She’s amazing!
Officer Tarver is a phenomenal woman. I have known her for several years but what stands out the most to me is her commitment and passion for the youth . She has taken on so many activities to help better do youth. In church she has spearheaded fun raiser and drives for a college fund for high school seniors and fund raising activities for the less fortunate. In the community she’s known as the go to person . She’s a role model, very respected, and will like bye the Apopka local community, young adults, professionals, and a host of others, she is well deserving of this highly prestigious award
Denise “OT” Tarver is a very unique and phenomenal woman. OT loves to serve. She serves at an unbelievable level. She gives her all and then some. She’s constantly thinking of and implementing ideas that can benefit others. Her tireless efforts impacts the lives of everyone she encounters. She is such an inspiration. OT is very humble and modest. She never wants the spotlight. She will encourage everyone else while working behind the scene. I don’t know of anyone else more deserving of this recognition than Denise OT tarver
Denise Tarver, affectionately known as O.T., is one of the kindest, hardest working folks I have ever worked with. She is a superb example of humanity at its best!
Office Tarver, as I affectionately, refer to her, is a woman that displays the love of God, community and church. I have known her for over 20 years and her character has never changed regardless of the situation. Her nomination is most deserving and I highly recommend her appointment to this honored position.
Denise O. T. is an excellent example of a person with impeccable character. She does not waiver in her demeanor. She is always kind and considerate. DeniseTarver is an excellent team player. We worked together on a Community Event for several years and she always gave that extra something the project needed to top it off. She's full of compassion, zeal and zest. A committed friend.
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Denise Tarver is an amazing woman. I met her several years ago at church, she kept a low profile but unknown to many she was working behind the scene bringing many projects into completion and doing such an extraordinary job.She has never sought recognition happy to stay in the background even though she was the organizer of most projects.I found her to be a woman of good character and advocate for the well being of young people. I am a sponsor of The organization ZAPT which gives out scholarships to deserving High School graduates enrolled in college.It was because of Denise’s great fund raising ability I became a member of ZAPT.I was amazed at all her achievement as an police officer with the Apopka Florida police department.As a woman of character an ex police officer and someone who is truly concerned about the well-being of all young people , she has shaped the life of many students.Denise Tarver a true role model.
Denise Tarver (OT) is a great hearted person, she’s super helpful & supportive. All around wonderful teacher, leader, advisor , mother & friend.
As president of Apopka Citizen Police Alumni Association I Love working with OT. She is so dependable and steps up to perform her duties what ever they may be. Whether it is directing traffic at a funeral, working special events but my favorite working with the children. OT is so "happy" with everyone but in a way that demands the respect that is required to perform the interaction we have with children. She relates to all the students/younger in that they are drawn to her presence but at the same time talk to the parents explaining the fingerprinting process or safety on obstacle course or whatever the event requires. All other adults in the association have the same pleasurable experience with OT doing what ever position is required at individual events but never with negativity but FUN in helping to perform all tasks. She is my first go to when events occur!! As we are a service to the police department it is also very reassuring when we are in neighborhoods where we are reaching out to build community relations to have OT there for support because of knowledge on how to communicate with all is warming, knowledgeable and reassuring. Love following her lead. OT is also a proud mother, and grandmother! She shares her other activities (schools and young women) and her heart has a expression of joy in serving. Listening makes you so happy for whomever she is serving and makes you want to jump right in and help. It is my honor and pleasure to share my hopes for OT in this honor and wish her the very best. There is not a greater deserving lady.
My name is Pastor Barbara Barnes....Iv'e known. Denise Tarver for over ( 50 ) years....She have always been a Beacon of Light in our community...Her commitment as a police officer, school resource officer, youth leader, and school uniform officer have been given with the upmost Respect...She have always been there to lend a helping hand wererever and whenever needed...As a Pastor and Leader myself. ....I Hightly Recommend Her As A Lifechanger, which she have been and will continue to be . I submit this comment with Great Honor ..
Denise Tarver "OT" "Officer Tarver" is a true friend. If you even need anything she is a willing friend. I worked with her at Apopka HIgh School for 11 years and she supported the girls basketball program by working the concession stand every game. She also assisted with organizing team functions and events. She went above and beyond to increase the success of each of my athletes. I am so blessed to call her a true friend for life. Congratulations OT you deserve all the accolades!!!!!!
I have the pleasure of working and interacting with my "Special Agent" OT. This Lady goes above and beyond to keep us safe and making me smile. OT Congratulations!!!! Their is no one more deserving of this award than you.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! from your "VP"
Always Colleen.
She is one of the most loving, caring and understanding person I have ever met. She has so many talents in helping others. She is a true servant of God. What a special relationship she has with kids in helping them feel better about themselves. It is blessing to the opportunity to express this about Denise.
I worked with OT for 10 years at Apopka High we volunteered to run the concessions for Boys and Girls Basketball. She was always hard-working, helpful, caring, and smiling. So good with the kids knew most by name and their families.
Officer Tarver is well deserving of this award. She is loving, caring, and go out of way to ensure that she is meeting the needs of her family, friends, and community. Ms. Tarver is a positive influencer within her community.
