PCPS Announces District 3 Finalists for 2025-26 Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year
Ending the week with more fantastic finalists!
Congratulations to our Inspire Awards finalists from District 3:
- Elizabeth Heaton, Teacher of the Year finalist, AP computer science and IB business teacher, Bartow High/IB
- Andrew Kennison, School-Related Employee of the Year finalist, custodian, Chain of Lakes Elementary
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.
Elizabeth Heaton, Bartow High, District 3 Teacher of the Year
It’s easy to sum up why Elizabeth Heaton means so much to Bartow High: she’s innovative, dedicated and impactful. She expanded the school’s AP computer science and IB business management courses, which have attracted a diverse group of students earning outstanding pass rates. Her efforts to increase student access to college credits have also bolstered the ambitious academic culture of Bartow High, IB Bartow and Summerlin Academy. In addition, she founded a computer programming club at school, and has been an accomplished leader for students participating in Future Business Leaders of America.
Heaton has been praised for her ability to foster strong, positive relationships with students and parents. She’s been recognized by the College Board for her efforts to support female students in STEM education. Outside of her classroom duties, she’s always willing to lend a hand around campus, or take time to mentor an aspiring educator. Heaton says she’s most proud of her students’ progress. Many of them arrive unsure of their abilities, but she says they leave “knowing they can do hard things. They leave knowing they matter.”
Andrew Kennison, Chain of Lakes Elementary, District 3 School-Related Employee of the Year
Andrew Kennison’s official title is custodian, but if you ask the staff at Chain of Lakes Elementary, he would be more accurately described as “the heartbeat of our school.” No matter the situation, he’s always quick to respond, whether it’s fixing a student’s broken desk before a test, or cleaning up a cafeteria spill before it presents any danger. One time, he even filled in for the school play when a cast member became sick. Kennison memorized lines and appeared on stage, becoming a hero on opening night.
Administrators say Kennison is one of the most dedicated and visible people on campus. He knows students by name, and as someone who once struggled in school, he goes out of his way to listen and give encouragement. Staff also know they can count on him to help with school activities and family nights, or just offer a kind word during a tough time. In every interaction, Kennison shows others that they matter. He plays a big role in making Chain of Lakes a special place.
