2023 Lake Rookie Teacher of the Year and 2022 School-Related Employee of the Year Announced

Two professionals dedicated to producing future leaders of industry and keeping smiles on the faces of their students are being celebrated by the Lake County school district.

William “Lee” Fouraker, the TV Production Teacher at East Ridge High school, was named the 2023 Rookie Teacher of the Year.

Shaun Smith, the Head Custodian at Eustis Middle School, is the 2022 School-Related Employee of the Year.

Both were announced the winners of their respective categories at a celebration event, presented by Insight Credit Union and hosted by the Education Foundation of Lake County. School district staff, dignitaries and sponsors were on hand to recognize Fouraker and Smith along with this year’s Rookie Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year honorees from other Lake County schools.

Alexa Dejarlais, a kindergarten teacher at Fruitland Park Elementary and Tori Grable, a fifth grade teacher at Seminole Springs Elementary were district finalists with Fouraker. Forty-two rookie teachers were recognized by peers at their respective Lake County schools for excellence in teaching.

Along with Smith, the district’s School-Related Employee of the Year finalists were Serita Morgan, a family school liaison at Beverly Shores Elementary; and Susan Johnson, a teacher’s assistant at Fruitland Park Elementary. Thirty-three school employees were recognized by peers at their respective Lake County schools for their dedication to support teachers and students.

As the district liaison to the Florida Department of Education, the Education Foundation of Lake County coordinates all awards and recognition events including the annual Lake County School-Related Employee of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year programs.

To find out more information, please view the press release here.