Thursday, May 11, 2017Bartow Civic Center,

Bartow, FL

Presents the 2017Polk County Public Schools

WelcomeJeanette Crowley, Senior Coordinator,

Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships

Presentation of ColorsLake Region High JROTC

OpeningJacqueline M. Byrd,

Superintendent of Schools

Special PerformanceLake Marion Creek String Orchestra

Outstanding School Volunteer Award WinnersRyan Rogers, Vice President/Area Manager

MIDFLORIDA Credit Union

ClosingJeanette Crowley

Carol Cramp’s passion for education drives her to coach students struggling with reading every week at Alta Vista Elementary.

Caroline Stinson has volunteered for 19 years at Alturas Elementary, where she decorates and organizes the media center while making every student feel welcome.

Julieanna Wilkerson supports underprivileged students at Auburndale Central Elementary by faithfully delivering snacks to their classrooms every week.

Bette Orwig has served as a compassionate mentor to young students at Bartow Elementary Academy for the past four years.

Noemi Cruz is proactive and upbeat, dedicating hours to Ben Hill Griffin Elementary as the secretary and fundraising chairman of their PTO board.

Tiffany Akins teaches students to give back to their community by coordinating the Ronald McDonald Pop Tab collection program at Bethune Academy.

Sherry Hudson makes a difference by reading to students and assisting with the annual science fair at Blake Academy.

Lori Griffin enjoys leading student enrichment activities and also manages the schoolwide math program at Brigham Academy.

Phillippe Pontbriant spends every school day working with small groups of first graders, tutoring them in essential math and reading skills at Caldwell Elementary.

Marilynn Maffett retired from the school district years ago, and ever since has been faithfully volunteering in the copy room and cafeteria at Carlton Palmore Elementary.

Rosa Barahona goes above and beyond helping students in the classroom and the cafeteria every day at Chain of Lakes Elementary.

Michael Davis performs a variety of duties on the bus ramp, in the library, the front office and elsewhere at Churchwell Elementary.

Cheri Rainer actively participates on Clarence Boswell Elementary’s PTO board and SAC committee, supporting their fundraisers and organizing recognition programs for students.

Richele McMichael, president of the PTO, organizes multiple fundraisers and community service projects that benefit the students and staff of Cleveland Court Elementary.

Katie Rosell is a great addition to Combee Elementary; she spends valuable one-on-one time with students developing their writing and math abilities.

Amanda Vargas serves as the vice president of fundraising and also steps in to chaperone field trips at Crystal Lake Elementary.

Bobby Nimmons can be found at the crosswalk greeting students as they arrive at Dale R. Fair Babson Park Elementary each morning; he is also a dependable chaperone and SAC member.

Pat B. Redgrave, or “Granny Pat,” is known for her consistent, thoughtful support of Davenport School of the Arts students and staff members.

Clifton Wheeler makes every Thursday special for students at Dixieland Elementary with his animated reading of books from diverse cultures and times.

Paula Rose is a permanent fixture of Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary, coming in every week day to organize school functions and assist school staff in the office.

Lynne Houston, a retired teacher, shares her experience by encouraging struggling students and facilitating the AR program at Dundee Elementary Academy.

Dawn Halversen stays busy organizing books in the media center and also serves as a PTO officer at Eagle Lake Elementary.

Cynthia Warrick uses innovative, challenging games to support both struggling and upper-level students at Eastside Elementary.

Paula Holm has kept the PTO running smoothly despite some leadership changes; her guidance and support of school fundraisers is greatly appreciated at Elbert Elementary.

Karen Wehrle encourages student achievement by accommodating each child’s abilities and learning styles at Floral Avenue Elementary.

Laron Rodriguez Adams serves as a mentor, leader and positive role model to the students of Fred G. Garner Elementary.

Karen Campbell can be found on any given day working at the car riders’ ramp, shelving books or delivering copies all over Frostproof Elementary.

Anne Pinnington has undertaken the immense task of organizing over 15,000 books according to their reading levels at Garden Grove Elementary.

Jane Luckett-Williams provides personalized tutoring to underperforming readers, lifting their spirits and encouraging them to succeed at Gibbons Street Elementary.

Mary Clarke affects student achievement through her positive behavior program and incentives that motivate students to excel at Griffin Elementary.

Bennie Swisher brings her experience as a veteran teacher to Highland City Elementary; she builds relationships with students and helps them reach their academic goals.

Lissa Bontrager wears many hats at Highlands Grove Elementary, where she assists in multiple leadership roles and encourages others to volunteer as well.

Beverly Walser is an indispensable resource to both the media center and technology team at Hillcrest Elementary.

David Sparr offers his free time to set up computers and tablets with the school network manager, which allows students to enjoy new technology at Horizons Elementary.

Cynthia Ashley has bolstered the volunteer program at Inwood Elementary by creating a school Facebook page and establishing community relationships.

Haley Albert is creative and driven, using her talents to build the self-esteem and reading abilities of the students at James E. Stephens Elementary.

Thomas Ponton uses his woodworking talents to support literacy; he builds models of popular storybook characters and even repairs bookshelves at James W. Sikes Elementary.

Kathryn Summerton donates her time assisting office staff and eagerly tackling multiple school projects at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary.

Malinda Holt goes above and beyond in the classrooms of Jesse Keen Elementary, keeping students on task and providing personalized attention.

Dariana Cedeno participates in numerous school-sponsored activities including incentive programs, field day and Red Ribbon Week at Jewett School of the Arts.

Pedro Davila brings a “can-do” attitude to Kathleen Elementary, where he greets students early in the morning and continues to support the school throughout the day.

Elizabeth Gould takes a personal interest in each student at Kingsford Elementary; her service as a Reading Pal has produced improved vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Rosalee D. Hayes tutors fifth grade math students and also participates in parent nights and fundraisers at Lake Alfred Elementary.

Elaine Scheck has a heart for first graders; she regularly assembles their homework packets and chaperones field trips at Lake Shipp Elementary.

Sonia Sotomayor is an efficient multitasker, but what sets her apart is her genuine love for the students of Laurel Elementary.

Barbara Sype lends a hand wherever she is needed, whether it be in the classroom or at after-school events sponsored by Lena Vista Elementary.

Lois Stortz makes reading a fun, engaging experience for the kindergarten students at Lewis Anna Woodbury Elementary.

Edward Flood is always available to help out at Lewis Elementary; he serves on multiple committees and spends countless hours at after-school programs too.

Melissa Pixley shares her organizational talents by coordinating the book fair, fundraisers and other events at Lincoln Avenue Academy.

Rebecca Chea advocates for students’ well-being by participating in vision and hearing screenings, dental checkups and the food pantry at Loughman Oaks Elementary.

Morgan Little stepped in to fill a vacated PTA position at Medulla Elementary this year on top of her responsibilities with other school programs.

Karen Boettcher is always happy to help out in the media center, helping students learn new sight words and encouraging their success at North Lakeland Elementary.

Terrisha Honneffer volunteers in the classroom on a weekly basis and also donates incentives for recognition programs at Oscar J. Pope Elementary.

Jamie Boykin, an experienced equestrian, helps students with disabilities ride horses as part of the hippotherapy program at Our Children’s Academy.

Alana Bush encourages students to be active by consistently participating in physical education classes at Padgett Elementary.

Tanya Vetlov-Curet spends time with small groups of ESOL students, which has caused rapid improvement to their English comprehension at Palmetto Elementary.

Alice Ann Sargeant is a retired teacher who uses her knowledge to benefit students in the classroom, the media center and elsewhere at Philip O’Brien Elementary.

Lauren Daughtry has developed fundraisers, campus beautification projects, student incentive programs and other events at Pinewood Elementary.

Martha Bair stands in the gap for disadvantaged students, increasing their interest and abilities in reading at Polk Avenue Elementary.

Sybil Parker takes pride in Polk City Elementary, where she shelves books, makes copies and serves in numerous school organizations.

Lois Stortz takes her time with the students of Purcell Elementary very seriously, focusing on students who need a little extra support.

Diane Novotny shares her love of reading by engaging students and making book recommendations in the media center at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary.

Shannon Sevingy actively supports the campus beautification project at Rochelle School of the Arts through landscaping and creative, handmade decorations.

Kaeli Warren comes in to Sandhill Elementary to help out with all kinds of projects, award ceremonies and special learning activities for first graders.

Linda Tarleton impacts student achievement by spending hundreds of hours tutoring kindergarteners in reading and math at Scott Lake Elementary.

Lorena Dorantes is a new volunteer who has quickly become involved in the classrooms, PTO and SAC meetings of Sleepy Hill Elementary.

William R. Slaughter uses his energy and enthusiasm to motivate the Snively Elementary Sunshine State Young Readers group to excel.

Anne Bernat can be found at Socrum Elementary every Thursday, where she graciously lends a hand wherever she is needed.

Tabbi Brooks, returning PTO president, leads the charge on many after school events at Southwest Elementary.

Lori Morrison takes disadvantaged children under her wing, building their self-confidence as she provides mentorship at Spessard L. Holland Elementary.

Betty Blankenship devotes hours to assisting the staff of Spook Hill Elementary; she plans annual events, chaperones field trips and even builds school floats for local parades.

Amy Harris serves as a positive role model at Valleyview Elementary, where she encourages students to challenge themselves and thrive academically.

James Hamil frequently provides hands-on support to struggling students in science labs and reading groups at Wahneta Elementary.

Lorraine Pavlisko has greatly improved the media center of Wendell Watson Elementary by building creative displays, engaging students and shelving books each week.

Cedric Turgeon is a dependable chaperone, guest speaker and PTA member at Winston Academy of Engineering.

Elizabeth Jane Meadows gives back through mentorship, encouraging students to set ambitious goals at Auburndale High.

Reba Coil founded the PTSA at Bartow High and now coordinates fundraising events for multiple schools in her community.

Teia Thagard contributes to student achievement by organizing book fairs, chaperoning field trips and raising funds for Bartow Middle.

Karen Ruthvens’s faithful support of the students and staff of Bill Duncan Opportunity Center is greatly appreciated.

Rachel Bork compassionately advocates for teachers and students in the classroom, at special events and at Boone Middle SAC meetings.

Kimberly Heberling has improved the agriculture department of Crystal Lake Middle; the fish tanks and goat pens she has built provide interesting lessons and help raise funds for the school.

Davina Williams’ leadership in multiple clubs and committees has helped to improve the atmosphere at Daniel Jenkins Academy.

James Arnold visits Denison Middle every week to build relationships with students and motivate them to succeed.

Kevin Kitto provides leadership and financial support to the positive behavior program at Donald E. Woods Opportunity Center.

Amy Young is dedicated to the drama department at Dundee Ridge Middle Academy; her energy and creativity take student productions to the next level.

Nancy Abney never hesitates to step in and assist students with test preparation or reading skills at East Area Adult.

Aundrea Camp mentors a diverse group of ESE students, helping them with assignments and encouraging their achievements at Fort Meade Middle-Senior.

Jacquelyn Bobb can be found on the athletic fields supporting the football, baseball and soccer programs at Frostproof Middle-Senior.

Nilda Rodriguez generously gives her time and talent to prepare students for academic competitions at Gause Academy of Leadership.

Katy Alach organizes resources, transportation and community service projects for the students in the performing arts department at George Jenkins High.

Racheal Kirkland cheerfully assists school staff with testing and inventory in the media centers at Haines City High.

Val Walsh created a successful mentoring program between an elementary school and Harrison School for the Arts to develop positive role models at both schools.

Karen Wehrle patiently tutors students to improve their math, reading and social skills at Jean O’Dell Learning Center.

Laura Varney brings her positive energy to Jewett Middle Academy Magnet as she assists social studies teachers with assignments and events.

Khristine Cloud promotes continual improvement through the school advisory council and is a wonderful asset to Karen M. Siegel Academy.

Emily Gray has actively served as a band parent for years, raising funds and motivating others to volunteer as well at Kathleen High.

Robbie Miller organizes an annual clothing drive, donates incentives to the positive behavior program and creatively celebrates teachers at Kathleen Middle.

Tiera Peabody relates to the students at Lake Alfred-Addair Middle; she models positive behavior and encourages them to excel in the classroom.

Kenneth Kramer donates time and effort to improve the football program at Lake Gibson High by working behind the scenes to help players improve and even receive college scholarships.

Brittney Thompson-Self supports a family culture at Lake Gibson Middle as she raises funds for school dances and the agricultural program.

Debra Thomsen is helpful and kind, and serves as an important resource to the students and staff of Lake Region High.

Ellen Irwin promotes a love of reading through individualized attention and book donations to the students of Lakeland Highlands Middle.

Sabina Elmasri, treasurer for the PTSA, keeps the uniform shop running smoothly and also initiated a new after-school book club at Lawton Chiles Middle Academy.

Rhonda Futch is known for bringing in sweet treats, and also helps organize the Special Olympics at McLaughlin Middle & Fine Arts Academy.

George “Louis” Holstein III has partnered with Mulberry High student organizations to obtain scholarships, gather donations and improve student leadership in the community.

Gina Riczko juggles multiple responsibilities with finesse, serving as PTSA president while also organizing various school functions at Mulberry Middle.

Deborah Fox consistently supports the Ridge Community High art department by funding and chaperoning annual field trips to art museums.

Elana Coulter ensures student safety by planning and monitoring car dismissal every afternoon at Sleepy Hill Middle.

Elizabeth Prokuski takes pride in celebrating teacher appreciation week, but also manages uniform sales and leads the PTA at Southwest Middle.

Jeff Fassett is an invaluable asset who gives generously of his time and talent to the students of Summerlin Academy.

The School Board of Polk County, Florida, prohibits any and all forms of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, age, gender, marital status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy or other basis prohibited by law in any of its programs, services, activities or employment practices. The Board will provide equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other identified Title 36 patriotic youth groups as required within 34 C.F.R. 108.9. To file concerns, you may contact the Equity & Compliance Analyst in the Equity & Diversity Management Dept. at (863) 534-0513 or P.O. Box 391 Bartow, Florida 33831.

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Watch Polk County School Board Television

Comcast Cable - Ch. 7 Frontier FiOS - Ch. 45

Spectrum - Ch. 642

Thanks to MIDFLORIDA Credit Union and our generous gift sponsors:

Lowe’s • Polk Academies • Polk State College

Polk County Public Schools News:

Dr. Lawrence Rankin regularly spends time with the students of Tenoroc High; he shares stories of his world travels and talks to them about their plans for the future.

John B. Cuevas, a former student of Traviss Technical College, gives back to the school by proctoring tests and offering extra instruction to the students.

James Spence makes sure each student receives a nutritious lunch and encourages them to try different fruits and vegetables at the Union Academy cafeteria.

Bonita Murphy dedicates time to support struggling students in reading and writing, ensuring that they achieve success at West Area Adult.

Shane Wenzloff uses his skills to meet the technical challenges of the Information Technology team at Westwood Middle.

Julia Beswick is a leader who plans and executes all kinds of school events; she also faithfully supports the choral department, band and girls’ soccer teams at Winter Haven High.

Produced by the Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships, Polk County Public Schools

To view/download event photos, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/voty2017

The Honorable Kay Fields,Board Chair, District 5

The Honorable Lynn Wilson,Board Vice-Chair, District 6

The Honorable Billy TownsendDistrict 1

The Honorable Lori CunninghamDistrict 2

The Honorable Hazel SellersDistrict 3

The Honorable Sara Beth ReynoldsDistrict 4

The Honorable Tim HarrisDistrict 7

Jacqueline M. Byrd, Superintendent of Schools