Spook Hill science teacher and Fort Meade High secretary are finalists for Polk school awards
By Gary White
Cynara Appling of Spook Hill Elementary in Lake Wales and Alicia Velasquez of Fort Meade Middle-Senior High are the finalists from District 6 for Polk County Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year.
Appling, a science teacher, transfers to schools in need of additional academic support, the school district said. At Spook Hill Elementary, she developed a host of creative and engaging hands-on lessons that helped increase students’ proficiency in science, the district said.
"Appling is known for her tenacity, but she also stands out for her gentle demeanor and warm smile," the district said in a news release. "As an educator she is inspired by challenges, and loves the moments when she can calm a student’s nerves, build their confidence and morale, and encourage them to strive for excellence."
Appling also seeks out grant opportunities for programs that benefit her students, and she works with colleagues to create effective lesson plans and classroom management techniques, the district said.
Velasquez, a finance secretary, plays a large role in keeping Fort Meade Middle-Senior High running smoothly, the district said.
"Velasquez goes out of her way to support and encourage students and staff, making time to listen to anyone in need," the district's news release said. "She also takes the lead in planning initiatives for Teacher Appreciation Week, because she wants Fort Meade educators to know that they are valued by all."
Administrators say Velasquez is a “pro at positive relationships,” according to the district.
PCPS has now recognized finalists from all seven districts. The overall winners will be announced Nov. 8 at the Inspire Awards, held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland.
The district previously announced the finalists from Districts 1, 2, 4 and 7.
- In District 1, Ronald Shell Jr., a math interventionist at Oscar J. Pope Elementary in Southeast Lakeland, was the finalist for Teacher of the Year, and Manami Naito, a paraeducator Crystal Lake Elementary School, also in Southeast Lakeland, was the finalist for School-Related Employee of the Year.
- In District 2, Heather Carlson, a reading interventionist at Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy in Davenport, was the finalist for Teacher of the Year, and Lenord Washington, a school safety guardian at Sandhill Elementary in Haines City, was the finalist for School-Related Employee of the Year.
- In District 3, Danielle Emmons, an agriculture teacher at Willow Oak School, was the Teacher of the Year finalist, and Joaida Kist, an ESE paraeducator at Mulberry High School was the finalist for School-Related Employee of the Year.
- In District 4, Mia Holden, an ESE inclusion teacher at Brigham Academy in Winter Haven was the finalist for Teacher of the Year, and Ervie Louis, a paraeducator at Jewett School of the Arts in Winter Haven was the School-Releated Employee of the Year.
- In District 5, Venecia Arias-Gowdy, a kindergarten teacher at North Lakeland Elementary School, was the finalist for Teacher of the Year, and Alexia Gardner, a paraeducator at North Lakeland Elementary, was the School-Related Employee of the Year finalist.
- In District 7, the Teacher of the Year finalist was Jacqueline Chavira, a second-grade teacher at Polk City Elementary, and the School-Related Employee of the Year finalist was Janet Miller, a night custodian at Lake Gibson High School
District 6 encompasses 11 schools in southeast Polk County:
- Don Woods Center
- Dundee Elementary Academy
- Dundee Ridge Middle Academy
- Fort Meade Middle/Senior
- Frostproof Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. Elementary
- Frostproof Middle/Senior
- Lewis Anna Woodbury Elementary
- McLaughlin Academy of Excellence
- Palmetto Elementary
- Roosevelt Academy
- Spook Hill Elementary