The Florida Music Education Association (FMEA) has named Lake County Schools Superintendent Diane Kornegay its Superintendent of the Year, the Lake County School Board its School Board of the Year, and Lake Community Arts its Community Arts Partner of the Year.
FMEA is a not-for-profit charitable organization that serves and supports the advancement of music education across Florida schools. The three statewide awards were announced at the School Board's most recent meeting on October 12, 2026.
In his announcement, Scott Evans, executive director of FMEA, said that Kornegay has "made a profound, lasting impact on music education" across the county. She has been instrumental in ensuring that all Lake public schools have arts programs and instruction available to students.
In recognizing the School Board, Evans added that "a superintendent's vision can only truly succeed if the governing body behind them provides the courage, policy, backing and resources to bring that vision to life." He applauded the board for leading "with conviction, consistently championing budgets, protecting curriculum and ensuring arts and music remain central to student achievement."
Lastly, he praised Lake Community Arts, which brings high-quality arts experiences to Lake County, for "bridging the gap, expanding opportunity and inspiring students beyond the school walls."
This year marks the first time in FMEA's awards history that three major statewide award recipients come from the same district or county.
Kornegay, the board, and Lake Community Arts will be formally celebrated in January at the FMEA Awards Ceremony in Tampa.