Polk County Public Schools is proud to announce our Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year!
Cynara Appling, a science teacher at Spook Hill Elementary, is the 2024-25 Polk County Teacher of the Year.
Ervie Louis, a paraeducator at Jewett School of the Arts, is the district’s School-Related Employee of the Year.
Profiles of each winner can be found below.
Appling and Louis will each receive cash prizes and other gifts made possible by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, and the collective generosity of our sponsors.
Both winners will move on to compete for state titles. Each year, the Florida Department of Education names a statewide Teacher of the Year, and a School-Related Employee of the Year.
PCPS celebrated Appling, Louis and many of the district’s other outstanding employees during tonight’s Inspire Awards presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. PCPS also recognized the district’s Principal of the Year, Suzie Nelson from Chain of Lakes Elementary; as well as the Assistant Principal of the Year, Stephanie Huber from Southwest Middle.
The Inspire Awards are presented by the Polk Education Foundation and PCPS’ Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships.
The presenting sponsor for the event is MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. Mosaic is the Platinum sponsor. Gold sponsors are Aramark, Jarrett Gordon Ford, BlueCross BlueShield of Florida, Legoland Florida Resort, Boswell & Dunlap, Publix Super Markets Charities, Cemex and TECO. Silver sponsors are Ben Hill Griffin, Inc. and Polk State College. Bronze sponsors are Coca-Cola Florida, Huntington Learning Center, Florida Southern College, Orlando Health, Herff Jones and the Polk Education Association.
Please visit www.polkschoolsfl.com/inspireawards for more information about this year’s honorees.
Cynara Appling — 2024-25 Polk County Teacher of the Year award winner profile:
Cynara Appling makes an impact wherever she goes. She has a special role in our district, transferring to schools in need of additional academic support, and finding ways to connect with students in the classroom. At Spook Hill Elementary, she developed a host of creative and engaging hands-on lessons that helped increase students’ proficiency in science. Administrators say Appling had an immediate effect on the school.
Appling is known for her tenacity, but she also stands out for her gentle demeanor and warm smile. 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. She also seeks out grant opportunities for programs that benefit her students, and works with colleagues to create effective lesson plans and classroom management techniques. When a school needs a boost, Appling is the best.
Ervie Louis — 2024-25 Polk County School-Related Employee of the Year award winner profile:
Ervie Louis has spent a remarkable 40-plus years working in education at Jewett School of the Arts. As a result, she has served multiple generations of families, and has deep bonds within the school and community. She feels honored to be part of JSA, and wants all students to know they are loved and valued.
Louis is proud to serve wherever she’s needed, whether it’s in the classroom, helping with everyday tasks, or lending a hand for school activities and events. She takes the lead in welcoming new students and staff to campus, and has a positive energy noticed by all. She also uses her community connections to create special learning opportunities for JSA students, especially during Black History Month. Louis is beloved by students, parents and staff — she treats them like family, and that makes a big difference.
