Guess what day it is! Hump Day. But also, the day we announce the District 3 finalists for the 2023-24 Polk County Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year.

Congratulations to:

– Kelly Larrow, Teacher of the Year finalist, gifted teacher, Mulberry Middle

– Angela Love, School-Related Employee of the Year finalist, principal’s secretary, Fort Meade Middle-Senior

PCPS is recognizing finalists from all seven districts, and the overall winners will be announced at the Inspire Awards on Nov. 9 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 Platinum sponsor MIDFLORIDA Credit Union.

Finalist profiles:

Kelly Larrow, Mulberry Middle, TOY

At Mulberry Middle, Kelly Larrow has a reputation as an outstanding science and gifted teacher — but she does so much more outside of the classroom. Larrow serves as a teacher ambassador to help welcome and support new educators at MMS. She’s also deeply involved in the CFES program that prepares students for college and careers. She’s quick to step up and help other staff, or volunteer her time for school events and fundraisers. In addition, she organizes the Great American Teach-In at MMS every year.

Administrators say Larrow has incredible talent and creativity as an educator. She always looks for ways to keep students engaged and thinking about their future. She created a Gaming Guild at MMS that uses board games as a way to encourage students to socialize and spend less time on their devices. She also has received praise for the way she develops relationships with parents and makes connections in the community that benefit her school. Larrow is an invaluable member of the MMS family.

Angela Love, Fort Meade Middle-Senior, SRE

Angela Love is always working behind the scenes at Fort Meade Middle-Senior. She helps the school prepare for the return of teachers each year, she serves on the school advisory committee, and also works the ticket booth during athletic events. She enjoys being an integral member of the FMMSHS team, and says her colleagues are some of the best staff in all of Polk County.

Love helps lead the annual United Way campaign at school, and has often volunteered for community causes that benefit children. Administrators say that Love is a skilled professional who helps keep things running smoothly, and always looks for ways to improve the school’s operations. But perhaps best of all, she’s valued for the way she treats others with respect and kindness, which helps foster a positive culture at FMMSHS. Some employees describe her as a “true gem.” Simply put, she is loved.