[This post will be updated as recognition continues of our district leaders]
The Education Foundation of Lake County is proud to recognize the amazing educators and staff who lead the Lake County School District. Throughout December & January, the Education Foundation of Lake County facilitates the recognition of the District’s School-Related Employee of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.
2026 School-Related Employee of the Year
The 2026 School-Related Employee of the Year program recognizes outstanding education support personnel for their contributions to their schools and communities. On November 17, the top three finalists for the district-wide recognition were surprised at their schools with the announcement. This year’s finalists include Jesi Cartagena of East Ridge High School (pictured far left), Terrie Burklew of Grassy Lake Elementary (pictured center), and Kimberly Capstraw of Mount Dora High School (pictured right).
The winner was announced at the Lake County School Board meeting on December 8th. Join us in celebrating Mrs. Kimberly Capstraw of Mount Dora High School. The winner will be recommended for the statewide recognition on behalf the of the district.
2025-2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year
Lake County’s Rookie Teacher of the Year recognition is awarded to teachers with three years or less of teaching experience. The finalists were announced: Delores Evans of Carver Middle School, Nathan Allender of South Lake High School, and Trevor Misegades of Lake Technical College. You can learn about the finalists here. The winner was announced on January 29 at the InspirED by Excellence Celebration. Congratulations, Trevor Misegades.
2027 Teacher of the Year
The Florida Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year program aims to honor and recognize excellence in teaching, support continued learning for all educators, and highlight the importance and impact of the profession. On December 16, the top three finalists for the district-wide recognition of Teacher of the Year were surprised at their schools with the announcement. This year’s finalists include Kat Massengill of East Ridge Middle School (center photo), Randall S. Moore of Tavares Middle School (right photo), and Michelle Deesi of Sorrento Elementary School (left photo). Learn more about these finalists.
The winner was announced at the Celebration InspirED by Excellence: Michelle Deesi.
Celebration InspirED by Excellence
The nominees for Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year, and the finalists for School-Related Employee of the Year will be celebrated on January 29 at the Celebration InspirED by Excellence. This event, presented by Additional Financial, aims to recognize the leaders making a difference every day in their schools. It is an evening honoring excellence and celebrating part of what makes Lake County Schools great.
You are invited to learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the Celebration InspirED by Excellence by visiting our events page or e-mailing us at edfoundation@lake.k12.fl.us.
