Elizabeth Heaton, who teaches Advanced Placement computer science and International Baccalaureate business at Bartow High School, has been named the 2025-26 Polk County Teacher of the Year.
Angelica Ortiz, the school nutrition manager at Winston Academy of Engineering in Lakeland, has been named School-Related Employee of the Year for Polk County Public Schools.
District officials announced the winners Nov. 7 at the annual Inspire Awards, held at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland…