TAVARES -- Three Lake County teachers received a surprise visit today from Superintendent Diane Kornegay and a caravan of representatives from the district, the Education Foundation of Lake County, and Jenkins Auto Group.
The entourage visited Jenna Leigh Patrick, a seventh-grade math and honors algebra teacher at Aurelia M. Cole K-8 Academy (ACA); Lisa Bryant, an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher for a work study program at Lake Minneola High School; and Cynthia Henderson, a fourth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher at Treadway Elementary School. Kornegay announced that a panel of judges working with the Foundation has selected the three educators as finalists for Lake’s Teacher of the Year.
Patrick has taught for five years, two of which have been in her current position. She led the school to top performance in 7th grade math last year. Under her guidance, her students outperformed all other middle schools in math proficiency, ACA Principal Scott Voytko said. She also serves as the school’s volleyball coach.
“Mrs. Patrick has a remarkable ability to make complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging to striving students, which fosters a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom,” he wrote in his recommendation letter. “Her lessons are characterized by clarity, creativity and real-world applications, ensuring that every student not only understands the material but believes in themselves.”
Bryant has been a teacher for 12 years, and has spent the last five in her current role. She works in a transition program with ESE students ages 18 to 22 who have deferred their diplomas to work on life skills and vocational skills. She also serves as co-chair of the ESE department at Lake Minneola High.
“Every day, Lisa approaches her work with unparalleled dedication, ensuring that her students not only receive quality education but are also equipped with the tools they need to thrive in life,” Principal William Roberts wrote in a letter of recommendation. “What stands out most is her unwavering belief in the potential of every student she teaches, no matter the challenges they face.”
Henderson is in her 22nd year of teaching and has been in her current role for five years. She also serves as the lead advisor for Treadway Elementary School’s National Elementary Honor Society chapter, organizing community service initiatives.
“Ms. Henderson is a phenomenal educator who deeply engages her students in reading and critical thinking,” Dr. Venessa King, principal of Treadway, wrote in a letter to the Teacher of the Year Selection Committee. “She has an innate ability to bring lessons to life, immersing her students in the material and providing them with the tools they need to excel not only in the current year, but in the years to come.”
At a celebration hosted by The Education Foundation of Lake County on January 30, one of the three finalists will be named Lake County’s newest Teacher of the Year and will drive away with the grand prize, a 2025 automobile from Jenkins Auto Group, with other prizes from Ernie Morris Enterprises and other community partners. The Lake County winner will go on to compete at the state level for the title of Florida Teacher of the Year.