Polk County Public Schools has announced our district’s principals of the year! Congratulations to Principal Wanda Aponte from Lake Marion Creek Middle, and Assistant Principal Gian Monacelli from Mulberry High.

Aponte and Monacelli were selected from a group of outstanding PCPS principal finalists, with the overall winners chosen by a panel of regional superintendents, and approved by district leadership. Aponte and Monacelli will now move on for consideration as the Florida Department of Education’s Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year.

Congratulations to this year’s other finalists from PCPS:

Principals: Angie Clark, Ridge Community High; Cindy Cangelose, Mulberry Middle; Johna Jozwiak, Socrum Elementary; Alex Wise, Elbert Elementary.

Assistant Principals: Lauren Gekakis, Loughman Oaks Elementary; Craig Hilgenberg, Dixieland Elementary; Heather Linn, Eagle Lake Elementary; Jami Yost, Jean O’Dell Learning Center.

The Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year winners will be recognized during the PCPS Inspire Awards on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the RP Funding Center. The event will also feature the naming of the 2024 Polk County Teacher and School-Related Employee of the Year.

More information about this year’s award winners:

Wanda Aponte, Principal, Lake Marion Creek Middle

Wanda Aponte is a veteran administrator known for her compassion, and ability to get results. After more than a decade at Loughman Oaks Elementary, she left to become the new principal at Lake Marion Creek Middle last year.

The school has benefited from Aponte’s knowledge and experience. She has implemented new approaches to student discipline and staff training, which have contributed to a more positive school environment, as well as improvements in students’ academic performance.

“She genuinely loves kids, and the whole culture of that school has been transformed by her leadership,” said Dr. Benjamin Henry, a PCPS regional superintendent who oversees Lake Marion Creek.

Aponte started a successful food pantry at Loughman Oaks, and she has done the same at Lake Marion Creek. The program now serves about 100 families through a partnership with the Feeding Tampa Bay organization.

Understanding a student’s challenges and meeting their basic needs is vital to their success in school, Aponte says. It’s that kind of heart and insight that makes her the PCPS Principal of the Year.

Gian Monacelli, Assistant Principal, Mulberry High

As an assistant principal at Mulberry High, Gian Monacelli is laser-focused on helping his Panthers graduate. He has developed systems to provide extra support for migrant students, English language learners and students with disabilities. He also coordinates with teachers and staff to ensure students get the assistance they need.

Monacelli’s leadership and efforts have produced outstanding results in his school’s graduation rates. In addition, he has worked hard to make sure students have a plan for life after high school.

Monacelli partnered with the local Hispanic Bar Association to develop a summer internship program for students, and he has created more opportunities for MHS students to explore college and technical school options. Today, more than 80% of MHS students graduate with a college class credit or industry certification.

Monacelli “has grown by leaps and bounds, and really embraced every challenge and blessing that comes with being an assistant principal,” said Tracy Collins, a PCPS regional superintendent who oversees MHS. “What sets him apart is his work ethic, and his true passion for kids and his community.”