PCPS Announces District 5 Finalists for 2025-26 Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year
It’s a finalist Friday!
Congratulations to our Inspire Awards finalists from District 5:
- Hiba Chehaib, Teacher of the Year finalist, school counselor, Rochelle School of the Arts
- Angelica Ortiz, School-Related Employee of the Year finalist, school nutrition manager, Winston Academy of Engineering
Brief profiles of these two finalists can be found below.
PCPS is recognizing finalists from all seven districts, and the overall winners will be announced at the Inspire Awards presented by MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. The Inspire Awards will be held on Nov. 7 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The Polk Education Foundation and PCPS’ Department of Public Relations & Strategic Partnerships collaborate to present this annual event.
During the event, finalists will be recognized with video tributes and receive sponsored gifts. The Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year will receive a cash prize generously donated by title sponsor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.
Hiba Chehaib, Rochelle School of the Arts, District 5 Teacher of the Year
Dr. Hiba Chehaib brings a sharp mind and wealth of knowledge to her role as counselor for Rochelle School of the Arts. She’s a published researcher who always looks for the best methods to make students feel safe, and help them succeed. Chehaib has a gift for connecting with students, and parents regularly seek out her guidance. Her expertise with student behavior and academic performance have added to the positive culture at Rochelle.
Beyond her work as a counselor, Chehaib plays a critical role in schoolwide testing coordination, assists with parent-teacher conferences, and is a regular presence on lunch duty. Fluent in Arabic, she uses her language skills to improve communication and advocacy for Arabic-speaking families in our district. Most importantly, she makes students and families feel heard and valued. Rochelle staff say Chehaib is a compassionate counselor and trusted leader, making her a “true gem” for the school.
Angelica Ortiz, Winston Academy District 5 School-Related Employee of the Year
You might say that Angelica Ortiz is the captain of the cafeteria at Winston Academy. As school nutrition manager, she is regarded for her leadership and training abilities, which have helped to provide highly qualified staff for Winston and many other PCPS schools. She also has a knack for efficiency, taking steps to optimize meal preparation and service, while reducing food waste. In addition, she always takes time to communicate with families about meal options and dietary restrictions, so they know their child’s health is a priority.
Although she’s a wiz in the kitchen, Ortiz really stands out for her incredible heart. Her cafeteria is a welcoming environment for students, where they are greeted by name and made to feel important. Ortiz takes a similar approach with her staff, using encouragement, support and respect to build and maintain a cohesive team. Administrators say that Ortiz’s impact “extends far beyond the cafeteria” — she’s a leader who has the secret ingredients for her school’s success.
