An evening of steak dinner and crystal stars highlighted the East Lee County Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards gala on Saturday at the Plantation Golf and Country Club, which celebrated the 58th anniversary of the chambers and teachers and officials for their contributions to the community during last year Pandemic honored. The gala also recognized the success of the Chamber as it works to create a post-pandemic future as a presence in Southwest Florida.
What began as a sprawling Lucky Lee Cattle Ranch in the 1950s has now grown into a viable civic, social, and economic gateway to the region’s future, officials said.
“This year’s award” said Michael Welch, Chamber Chairman of the Board, will take the “Shape of a crystal star.”
“That’s every teacher here” Which said “a crystal star.”
Approximately 130 people attended the 19th annual gala, which included a silent auction, dinner, entertainment, and award ceremonies that honored the area’s teachers and others such as firefighters, MPs, community, ward and chamber members who contributed to the Have contributed to the realization of the gala theme. “The future is here.”
“The future is here” said Nancy Williamson, gala chairperson. “We’re so over the whole COVID thing.”
“We are ready to start over and move forward.” She said.
During his presentation, Welch said the teachers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their students, schools, and the community. What stood out during their nomination process, Welch said, was the recurrence of words such as inspiration, guidance, wisdom, friendship, and love.
“We noticed that our teachers, officials (and others) were all practicing what is called the little way.” Welch said, based on the practice of the nun from the late 19th century, St. Therese of Lisieux.
“The little way” Which said “Is that the value of life does not depend on our place. It depends on how we shape this life in this place. “
At the gala, the 14 teachers and their respective schools demonstrated the breadth, depth and academic reach of education in East Lee County, be it Harnes Marsh Elementary, Lehigh Senior High School, Donna J. Beasley Technical Academy or Veterans Park Academy for the arts.
“I love my students” said Samantha Stafford, elementary school teacher at Harnes Marsh.
“I am very honored that you would choose our school and support our students.” She said. “After all, it takes a village to raise a child, and we need all the love we can get.”
The organization formerly known as the Greater Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1962 and became a nonprofit in 1980. Almost two years ago, the name and logo were changed to accommodate regional growth, with about 200 members as it expanded into the Gateway community and more of East Fort Myers, officials said.
“What makes a great Chamber of Commerce is to be more involved with the community, the people.” said Robert Lambert, a Donna J. Beasley Technical Academy instructor and former chamber member.
“The business is doing well. It makes money, but you have to bring people together. “ he said. “People make community. People do business. The people are where they are. “
To reflect the change and growth of the areas, the chamber installed three new board members at the gala: Cecil Pendergrass, Commissioner for Lee County, Burt Saunders, Commissioner for Collier, and Ruth Anglickis, community leader and pioneer in the development of Lehigh Acres. The three were chosen on the basis of their knowledge and expertise to carry out the chambers’ mission “To promote and promote the economic, civic, and social growth of East Lee County.”
“I hope everyone here will join an I Care program tonight.” said Anglickis, President of Landex Resorts International. “I’m interested in East Lee County. I take care of the schools and the children and the community. I’m interested in the people who make Lehigh a place where a handshake is a lasting friendship. “
Honored are:
TEACHER OF THE YEAR
1st TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Samantha Stafford
Harnes Marsh Elementary School
2021
2. TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Robert Lambert
Donna J. Beasley Technical Academy
2021
3rd TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Erin Roberts
Sunshine Elementary School
2021
4. TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Brian Adams
Harnes Marsh Middle School
2021
5th TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Arthur Phillips
East Lee High School
2021
6th TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Miguel Cintron
Lehigh Senior High School
2021
7. TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Laura Robinson
Alva school
2021
8. TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Maria Fein
Lehigh Acres Middle School
2021
9. TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Christine Coleman
Mirror Lakes Elementary School
2021
10. TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Karyna Sandin
Lehigh Acres Elementary School
2021
11th TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Debby McLemore
Tortuga Preserve Elementary School
2021
12. TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Melissa Zeiher
G. Weber Hipps Elementary School
2021
13 TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Anselmo Solorzano
Varsity Lakes Middle School
2021
14th TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Deborah Henry
Veterans Park Academy for the Arts
2021
15. CRIMINAL BIRD OFFICER OF THE YEAR
Deputy Alexandria Davis
Lee County Sheriff’s Office
2021
16. FIREMAN OF THE YEAR
Javier Bermudez
Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District
2021
17. EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE PRICE
Larry Arfmann
Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District
2021
18. MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Michael Jacobs
Go Small Biz / LegalSheild
2021
19. CHAIRMAN’S AWARD
Susan Kostyk
Insurance agency Kostyk
2021
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