Polk County Public Schools, Community
Click here for a Nomination Packet for Teacher of the Year. (PDF)
Click here for a Nomination Packet for Teacher of the Year. (Word)
Click here for a Nomination Packet for School-Related Employee of the Year.
Click here for a Nomination Packet for School-Related Employee of the Year. (Word)
History Teacher
Kathleen High
38 years experience
Danny has taught American history to three generations of Kathleen High students. He brings history alive to the classroom by dressing in costume as historical figures George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Davy Crockett. He is an innovative educator utilizing game show concepts like History Jeopardy and History Trivial Pursuit to teach history. Danny organized a Get-Out-The-Vote project with students. Students became heavily involved in campaigns and worked for candidates. Students also corresponded with candidates and provided elderly citizens with transportation to the polls. Students wrote essays about their experiences in the election process. He has had many offers in 38 years to leave the classroom and pursue other professions. None of those have been attractive enough to tempt him to leave. He says, “How could I leave? Next to my family, teaching history is my life.”
Custodian
Southwest Elementary
20 years experience
Acela is credited with maintaining a well-kept campus and buildings that are more than 50 years old. Teachers are constantly amazed how quickly and efficiently her staff transforms a classroom in disarray after a long day into a sparkling, immaculate place ready for the next day’s learning. Acela translates for Spanish-speaking families and Spanish-speaking custodial employees. She helps others with transportation and works to feed, clothe and find jobs for impoverished newcomers to our area. Lakeland Magazine featured her in an article titled “Everyday Angels” for her community work with the poor and Spanish-speaking families new to our area. She is a confidant and advocate to many newcomers. She often returns to her native Cuba with supplies of medicine, eye glasses and clothing to distribute to the poor
MIDFLORIDA Federal Credit Union
Bright House Networks