Raymond Marroquin earned Coach of the Year honors for coaching LHS softball to a regional championship in 2024. [Photo courtesy LHS Athletics]

LABELLE — The Hendry County School Board recognized Raymond Marroquin Sr. for 41 years of service to the school district at their July 29 school board meeting.

Marroquin started in the Hendry County School District in 1984 and retired this year on May 29.

“His dedication to the kids through generations in the community has left a legacy that won’t be forgotten,” said LaBelle High School assistant principal Ryan Harris “If you know Mr. Marroquin like I know him, you know this is not a ‘goodbye, but more of a ‘see you soon’."

In the certificate of recognition presented to Marroquin by the Hendry School Board, the district thanked him for his years of service and said that his wisdom and commitment to excellence had inspired many in the community.

Marroquin was awarded Florida Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year award for his work with the LaBelle High School softball team in 2024. The Cowgirls earned back-to-back district championships in 2023 and 2024. And in 2024, LaBelle went on to earn a regional championship and advanced all the way to the state semi-finals.

“This is someone who has been with us a very long time and touched an enormous number of lives over the years,” said superintendent Michael Swindle.