PCPS Announces District 4 Finalists for 2025-26 Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year
Heads up, here come two more Inspire Awards finalists!
Congratulations to our winners from District 4:
- Stephanie McCluskey, Teacher of the Year finalist, science teacher, Lake Region High
- Christina Peterson, School-Related Employee of the Year finalist, principal’s secretary, East Area Adult School
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.
Stephanie McCluskey, Lake Region High, District 4 Teacher of the Year
At Lake Region High, Stephanie McCluskey is regarded as a “true cornerstone” of the school’s community. She works as a science interventionist, building relationships with students and developing strategies to help them unlock their full potential in the classroom. As a result, LRHS has experienced significant gains in students’ performance on biology assessments. McCluskey’s instructional talents have also made her a leader and mentor among her colleagues.
Beyond her classroom duties, McCluskey has spearheaded community service projects and activities that led to LRHS earning a designation as a Guy Harvey Conservation School. She has been a vital support for the school’s Haitian students, and she also coaches the girls flag football team. Administrators say McCluskey is defined by her dedication, compassion and excellence. She certainly brings a lot of energy to the Thunder at LRHS.
Christina Peterson, East Area Adult School, District 4 School-Related Employee of the Year
Christina Peterson is exactly the kind of person you want serving as the principal’s secretary. At East Area Adult School, she is highly regarded for her professionalism, kindness and commitment to students. She has top-notch organizational skills, and can quickly solve problems as they arise. It’s no surprise that her mother also worked as a principal’s secretary.
Administrators say that Peterson is one of the main reasons why East Area has such a welcoming atmosphere. She goes out of her way to offer support and encouragement to any student or staff who needs it. She has helped organize the school’s Teacher Appreciation Week activities, and says she feels “immense joy” working with the team at East Area. With responsibilities including payroll and grants, Peterson is essential to her school’s operations, and cherished like a family member.
