Polk County Public Schools Announces 2017 Teacher of the Year, School-Related Employee of the Year

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Polk County Public Schools Announces 2017 Teacher of the Year, School-Related Employee of the Year
Polk County Public Schools Announces 2017 Teacher of the Year, School-Related Employee of the Year

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Lois Horn-Diaz, a gifted teacher at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary in Lakeland, was announced as the 2017 Polk County Teacher of the Year on Wednesday night.
Maureen English, a guidance secretary at Dundee Ridge Middle Academy, is the district’s 2017 School-Related Employee of the Year.
Polk County Public Schools celebrated its top educators and employees during an awards ceremony at The Lakeland Center on Wednesday night. The two overall winners, along with 12 finalists, received cash awards and other prizes from event sponsors.
Ms. Horn-Diaz and Ms. English were chosen from more than 200 candidates who were nominated by individual schools throughout the Polk County School District. Judges included community members from local organizations and businesses, as well as past winners and finalists.
Judges reviewed the applications without knowledge of applicant names or schools. Criteria included leadership and professional development activities, community and school involvement, and teaching style. 
Both winners will move on to compete for state titles.
Each year, the Florida Department of Education names a Florida Teacher of the Year, choosing an educator who has “demonstrated a superior capacity to inspire a love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.” The Florida School-Related Employee of the Year award recognizes outstanding education support personnel for contributions to their schools and communities.
Polk County’s 2016 Teacher of the Year, Jessica Solano, is the current Florida Teacher of the Year.
Lois Horn-Diaz — 2017 Polk County Teacher of the Year award winner profile:
Ms. Horn-Diaz found her calling as a teacher after a 24-year career as a school psychologist. She has spent the past six years teaching gifted students in subjects including language arts, humanities and technology enrichment.
When students enter Ms. Horn-Diaz’s class, they are asked to imagine themselves traveling back in time on a hot air balloon ride — visiting Ancient Egypt, the Industrial Revolution and Middle Ages. In each historic period, they study and perform classic texts from great authors such as Shakespeare and Dickens.
One of the annual highlights in Ms. Horn-Diaz’s classroom is when students create and publish their own books based on the history they’ve learned. The books are proudly displayed in the media center at R. Bruce Wagner Elementary, making them available for an audience of readers.
As a multi-faceted educator, Ms. Horn-Diaz enriches her lessons with technology. Her students are instructed in the use of various software programs, and learn how to film and edit video commercials and music videos. Ms. Horn-Diaz says that technology is an important tool, providing students with alternative ways to communicate and express their creativity.
Maureen “Muffy” English – 2017 Polk County School-Related Employee of the Year award winner profile:
A highly organized multi-tasker, Ms. English balances an extensive list of responsibilities at Dundee Ridge Middle Academy. She serves as an advocate for her school by partnering with parents, businesses, churches and elected officials to promote school events. Ms. English maintains a rapport with students by helping them complete assignments and keep their grades up. She even makes costumes for the drama department and repairs student uniforms.
Somehow, Ms. English also finds time to take on leadership roles in her community. She is a member of Sheriff Grady Judd’s Advisory Committee, and directs youth and children’s Sunday school classes. Ms. English’s colleagues say they are inspired every day by her dedication and attention to detail.
Below you will find a list of the 2017 finalists:
*Lois Horn-Diaz was chosen as the 2017 Polk County Teacher of the Year among the following teacher finalists:
– Jennifer Burnett, Walter Caldwell Elementary, first grade teacher
– Robert S. Erb, Winter Haven High, biology teacher
– Martina Giordano, Laurel Elementary, kindergarten teacher
– Ashley Highley, Spook Hill Elementary, third grade teacher
– Adam Hippeli, Spessard L. Holland Elementary, mathematics teacher
– Diane Lokey, Lincoln Avenue Academy, third grade teacher
*Maureen English was chosen as the 2017 Polk County School-Related Employee of the Year among the following finalists:
– Samuel Berrien, Lewis Anna Woodbury Elementary, ESE paraeducator
– Andre Casseus, Inwood Elementary, media paraeducator
– Lisa Jackson, Combee Elementary, school nurse
– Jami Liska, Dr. N.E. Roberts Elementary, ESE paraeducator
– Chuck Loveless, Frostproof Middle-Senior High, ESE paraeducator and athletic director
– Jean Singletary, Highlands Grove Elementary, school nurse

This Day in History – Edgar Allan Poe was Born – January 19, 1809

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This Day in History – Edgar Allan Poe was Born – January 19, 1809

1809

Edgar Allan Poe is born

 

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By the time he was three years old, both of Poe’s parents had died, leaving him in the care of his godfather, John Allan, a wealthy tobacco merchant. After attending school in England, Poe entered the University of Virginia (UVA) in 1826. After fighting with Allan over his heavy gambling debts, he was forced to leave UVA after only eight months. Poe then served two years in the U.S. Army and won an appointment to West Point. After another falling-out, Allan cut him off completely and he got himself dismissed from the academy for rules infractions.

Dark, handsome and brooding, Poe had published three works of poetry by that time, none of which had received much attention. In 1836, while working as an editor at the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond, Virginia, Poe married his 13-year-old cousin, Virginia Clemm. He also completed his first full-length work of fiction, Arthur Gordon Pym, published in 1838. Poe lost his job at the Messenger due to his heavy drinking, and the couple moved to Philadelphia, where Poe worked as an editor at Burton’s Gentleman’s Magazine and Graham’s Magazine. He became known for his direct and incisive criticism, as well as for dark horror stories like “The Fall of the House of Usher” and “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Also around this time, Poe began writing mystery stories, including “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” and “The Purloined Letter”–works that would earn him a reputation as the father of the modern detective story.

In 1844, the Poes moved to New York City. He scored a spectacular success the following year with his poem “The Raven.” While Poe was working to launch The Broadway Journal–which soon failed–his wife Virginia fell ill and died of tuberculosis in early 1847. His wife’s death drove Poe even deeper into alcoholism and drug abuse. After becoming involved with several women, Poe returned to Richmond in 1849 and got engaged to an old flame. Before the wedding, however, Poe died suddenly. Though circumstances are somewhat unclear, it appeared he began drinking at a party in Baltimore and disappeared, only to be found incoherent in a gutter three days later. Taken to the hospital, he died on October 7, 1849, at age 40.

LWHS Softball’s Daisy Riggleman Signs To Play With Webber

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LWHS Softball’s Daisy Riggleman Signs To Play With Webber

Lake Wales High School senior Daisy Riggleman celebrated her scholarship to Webber International University at a signing ceremony in the schools auditorium on Friday.

Daisy is a starter at first base for the Highlanders and her 2nd position is third base.

Daisy hit .318 during last years season and has won the team’s Golden Glove award for best defensive player for two years in a row.

Family, friends and teammates from both LWHS and the FSA Legends travel team joined her for the celebration.

Daisy will be attending Webber seeking a degree in Business.

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Winter Haven PD will host two teams at Sizzlin’ Smokin’ BBQ Cook Off!

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Winter Haven PD will host two teams at Sizzlin’ Smokin’ BBQ Cook Off!

Winter Haven PD will host two teams at Sizzlin’ Smokin’ BBQ Cook Off!

You read right! The Winter Haven Police Department will host two teams – one with Chief Charlie Bird and Lt. Donald Nunnery (Salt & Peppa BBQ) and the other team with Captain Mitch Meadows and Sgt. Garrett Boyd (Alpha Hoggs BBQ).

Sizzlin’ Smokin’ BBQ Cook Off is a fundraiser for the Women’s Resource Center of Florida.

The event will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Chain O’ Lakes Park (210 Cypress Gardens Blvd) from 6 – 9 p.m.

The event is free to enter. Tasting tickets are $10.

There will be fun activities for the whole family and an appearance by the Justin Grimes Band.

For tickets or more information, call 863-291-5656.

3rd Annual CommunityFest Set For Feb 25th In Winter Haven

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3rd Annual CommunityFest Set For Feb 25th In Winter Haven

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It’s time for the 3rd Annual CommunityFest Free Family Fun Festival sponsored by Citizens Bank & Trust.

The fun starts on February 25th at 11am and goes until 4pm at the Greater Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce located at 401 Avenue B NW, Winter Haven, Florida 33881

CommunityFest is a family friendly event that encourages the community to come together and enjoy games, entertainment, food and more!

Last year CommunityFest had 6000+ visitors come out to enjoy the festivities!

This free festival allows businesses to give back to the community while families enjoy fun-filled activities and entertainment in the park.

If you are a business and want to get involved, go to their website to learn more or call Jennifer at 863-293-2138.

http://web.winterhavenchamber.com/events/CommunityFest-2017-Presented-by-Citizens-Bank-Trust-1280/details

Bill Heath Announced His Retirement from Webber International University

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Bill Heath Announced His Retirement from Webber International University

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BABSON PARK, Fla. – Bill Heath has announced that he will be retiring at Webber International University, in Babson Park, Florida. Heath is in his 13th year as Athletic Director at the NAIA University and his last day in that capacity will be on February 13th, 2017. Heath’s last day at the University will be on May 5th. Heath has served two different stints at Webber during his 30 year career: 1982-1985 and 1990-2017.

 

“My time at Webber has been a fantastic ride and I am truly honored to have served the University in various capacities over the years. I have served three Presidents: Dr. Buck Cleven, Mr. Rex Yentes, and Dr. Keith Wade. I sincerely thank them all for the opportunities they gave me, and I respect them for their patience and support of me throughout the years.” Heath has been inducted into two Halls of Fame. He was inducted into the Polk County, Florida sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Heath was honored in 2016 as an inaugural member of the Webber International University Athletics Hall of Fame. “I was very touched to be inducted into these Hall of Fames and I have to say that my former players, my family, and my peers were an unbelievable part of the success that I had during my years in coaching” said Heath.

 

Heath has served Webber in many capacities through the years. He was men’s and women’s head tennis coach for 21 years, head volleyball coach for 9 years, head softball coach for 1 year, head women’s basketball coach for 1 year, interim head men’s soccer coach for 1 game and assistant men’s basketball coach for 3 years.

 

Heath was honored often during his coaching career at Webber. He was the Florida Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tennis coach of year in 1990-91. He was named as the NAIA District 7 volleyball coach of the year in 1992 and Florida Sun Conference volleyball coach of the year in 1992-93. In 1994-95 he was the Sun Conference men’s tennis coach of the year. In 1996 he was again the Sun Conference coach of the year for men’s tennis. In 1996, Heath was honored by Webber as he was the recipient of the Cal Cramer Athletic Service Award. Again, Heath was named coach of the year in 1997 for men’s tennis in the Florida Sun Conference. In 1998, the Sun Conference named Heath coach of the year.

 

Heath has also served the NAIA on the national level in the following: NAIA national men’s tennis rater for 11 years, national women’s tennis rater for 4 years, and NAIA/ITA national awards chair for 5 years.

 

Heath has had many special milestones since his time at Webber began. Heath was an assistant coach for men’s basketball and the Warriors won the National Little College Athletic Association men’s basketball National Championship in 1983-84.

 

Heath took his tennis teams to the NAIA National Championships numerous times, 11 with men’s teams and 6 with the women’s teams. Heath has served as a head varsity coach in 1,310 varsity games or matches. His overall record for all sports that he coached at Webber is 776 wins and 534 losses. Men’s tennis alone was 383 wins and 152 losses.

 

Heath had numerous job responsibilities at Webber while he was coaching. They were: Student Union Manager for 1 year. Director of Admissions for 2 years, Co-director of student-activities for 6 years, Assistant Sport Information Director for 2 years, Sport Information Director for 6 years, Concessions Manager for 6 years, Public Relations Director for 10 years and Cheerleading coach for 1 year.

 

“I have had a long and very interesting career at Webber. I am very appreciative of every second that I have been here. My biggest support through all of these years has been my wife, Stella. She is an avid supporter for Webber International University! I love her and she has been my rock and my biggest supporter. We are a team! Also, our four children grew up at Webber and they have been great supporters too. Thank you Heath Family!” Said Bill Heath.

Webber International University and Webber Athletics thanks Bill and family for all of the years of service!

A Man is in Critical Condition after Being Struck by a Semi

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A Man is in Critical Condition after Being Struck by a Semi

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UPDATE:  Mr. Byrd passed away yesterday due to his injuries.

 

Original Release:

Around 2:00 a.m. this morning (Jan 18, 2017), 52-year-old Gerald Byrd of Snowy Heron Drive in Lakeland was attempting to cross US Hwy 98 South on foot near the intersection with Clubhouse Road in Lakeland when he entered into the path of a 1998 Volvo semi-truck which was heading southbound on US Hwy 98 and being driven by 46-year-old Eliecer Piedra of Hialeah. Piedra saw Byrd enter the roadway but was unable to avoid striking him. He immediately stopped and rendered aid and dialed 9-1-1. According to Byrd’s wife, he was at Linkster’s Bar on Tuesday evening, and around 1:45 a.m. Wednesday morning she spoke with him on his cell phone, and he told her he was going to walk home. Byrd was taken to LRHMC in extremely critical condition. The southbound lanes of US Hwy 98 were closed for several hours during the investigation. The area is well-lit in that area. The investigation is ongoing.

Cirque Italia, The First Traveling Water Circus is Coming to Town January 19 – 22

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Cirque Italia, The First Traveling Water Circus is Coming to Town January 19 – 22

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GET READY LAKE WALES, FL, BECAUSE YOU ARE ABOUT TO HAVE THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE! CIRQUE ITALIA, THE FIRST TRAVELING WATER CIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN WITH A SPECTACULAR SHOW THAT YOU CAN’T MISS!

Cirque Italia is a unique show in every sense. After five years of consolidation, a rigorous casting selection, and over 1,000 performances nationwide; this spectacular production has become the greatest version of a “traveling circus”. Cirque Italia is proud to have developed a well-deserved reputation as one of the most innovative shows to be staged in the US.

Conceived by Mr. Manuel Rebecchi, and meticulously directed and produced by Chanté DeMoustes, Cirque Italia is a creative mix of the best elements of entertainment and technology. A “never-seen-before” production that combines acrobatics, dance, contortion, and even high-performance BMX and roller-skating. All performances are done in ways that push the physical boundaries of human abilities, which leaves audiences amazed and astonished.

Performers from all over the world are united under the magic spiral of the white and blue big top. They merge their extraordinary selection of skills and put together a stimulating spin on the industry by embracing the element of water. Cirque Italia has managed to find a delicate balance between the poetic and expressive power of the human body and the versatility and fluidity of water as an artistic scenario.

With a magnetism that draws you into your deepest fantasies, the water circus offers two hours of high-end entertainment. Mermaids and dinosaurs make dreamy appearances while awakening the inner child within you. Laser lights and bubbles act as interdimensional movers. Aerialists, acrobats, and contortionists take the human body to the next level – one you never thought possible!

You may think that such a sophisticated production is out of your budget, but Cirque Italia is committed to bringing Las Vegas to your own hometown. They bring an experience and make it not only memorable, but affordable with very competitive prices and special offers.

Cirque Italia also contributes to the modernization of the performing arts and the circus industry by abiding by a strict animal free policy. The company takes a leading stance in offering quality entertainment beyond the use of animals.

For more information visit www.cirqueitalia.com and make sure to check all our social media accounts.

 

When: January 20-22

Where:  451 Eagle Ridge Dr. Lake Wales, FL 33859

At:  Eagle Ridge Mall

 

—Under the stunning White & Blue Big Top Tent

 

  • Jan 19 – Thurs: 7:30pm
  • Jan 20- Friday: 7:30pm
  • Jan 21 – Saturday: 1:30, 4:30, & 7:30pm
  • Jan 22 – Sunday: 1:30pm, 4:30pm

 

 

Box office hours:

The box office opens on-site on Tuesday, the week of the show.

Non-show days: 10am – 6pm

On show days: 10am – 9pm

 

You can purchase tickets through our website (cirqueitalia.com/tickets) or by phone: (941) 704-8572. We also respond to text message.

 

Non vediamo l’ora di vedervi allo spettacolo! Let Your Imagination Wander…and come DIVE into the Magical world of CIRQUE ITALIA.

Road Work in Auburndale Could Cause Delays From Recker Hwy to Jersey Rd

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Road Work in Auburndale Could Cause Delays From Recker Hwy to Jersey Rd

The Florida Department of Transportation has begun milling and resurfacing work along U.S. 92 between Havendale Boulevard and Recker Highway. The entire project will stretch from Recker Highway to Jersey Road. In addition to FDOT’s project, the city is continuing its $1 million resurfacing project north of U.S. 92. The south side roads began last week. Drive with caution in the area and expect delays. Share this post on your page.

 

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Sebring Police Attempting to Locate Missing Girl

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Sebring Police Attempting to Locate Missing Girl

UPDATE:  Amilia Leaphart has been located

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On January 16, 2017, at approximately 10:15 Am, Amilia Grace Leaphart was shopping with her mother at Winn Dixie located at 3250 US 27 South Sebring, Highlands County, Florida when she got into a disagreement with her mother.  Leaphart asked to go to the car to listen to music but left the area on foot in the direction of Desoto Rd.

Leaphart is approximately 4’11” tall, 85lbs with long dark hair.  Leaphart was wearing a long sleved blue and white pin striped shirt with blue leggings.

Leaphart may possibly be in the company of white mail Robert “Bobby Rodney” and White Male Dakota Pelham.

Anyone with information who wants to remain anonymous and be eligible for a CASH Reward is asked to call 1-800-226-TIPS or Log onto www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.

Anonymity is Guaranteed!

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