The Inspire Awards | November 6, 2026

The Polk County Public Schools 2026–2027 Inspire Awards ceremony was held November 6, 2026, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. The event recognized outstanding teachers, school-related employees, administrators, and community service, with presentations highlighting finalists’ contributions to students and schools. Barbara Albritton of Dundee Elementary Academy was named School-Related Employee of the Year, and Elvin Hanno Jr. of Fort Meade was named Teacher of the Year. The ceremony also recognized two Susan Copeland Community Service Award honorees and two community members for helping students after a school-bus crash.

Sponsors and supporters were acknowledged, including MidFlorida Credit Union, CEMEX, Publix Super Markets Charities, and Florida Southern College. The event announced financial gifts and awards: MidFlorida provides each finalist a $650 gift; the school-related employee of the year received an additional $5,000, and the teacher of the year received $5,000 from MidFlorida plus an additional $10,000 from the Polk Education Foundation. The transcript also mentions a $1,000 annual philanthropic donation supporting the Susan Copeland award and $250 checks for the assistant principal and principal of the year. These were recognitions and donations, not procurement decisions; no contracts, bids, purchasing approvals, or procurement-related votes were identified.