Bless Fruitland Park is paying tribute to educators at Fruitland Park Elementary School as part of Teacher Appreciation Week.
The group – an ongoing effort of churches, civic and social groups, citizens and businesses to create an atmosphere of partnership and generosity within the city – posted the 14½-minute video on its Facebook page, which can be viewed by clicking HERE. It offers messages of thanks for teachers and staff and includes tributes from administrators, local pastors, elected officials, parents and students from the school. Teacher Appreciation Week runs through Saturday, May 9.
“I want you to know that you are so valuable, not just to Fruitland Park Elementary School, but to the world,” said Principal Tammy Langley from her home in Inverness. “You are making a difference in the lives of children that didn’t affect only the past, but also the present and the future – their future – as well as the future of the world.”
Heritage Community Church Pastor Sidney Brock and Pastor George Mulford, of Grace Bible Baptist Church in Leesburg, offered similar messages, as did fellow Pastor Dennis Langford of Covenant Life Church of God.
“Thank you for what you do in teaching and training our children at your school,” he said. “Your school is a credit to our community and you, yourself, are a great part of that.”
Pastor Daryl Allen, of Community United Methodist Church, said the children of Fruitland Park are “incredibly blessed” to have the teachers at the school in their lives.
“We can’t imagine what their lives would be like without you in the midst of this (pandemic),” he said. “You have done an amazing job at reaching out to them, supporting them, encouraging them and loving them in this new way of learning.”
Pastor Chuck Padgett, of Trinity Assembly of God, said in past years he’s enjoyed visiting the school during Teacher Appreciation Week. He added that no one could have foreseen “our world would be turned upside down” with the COVID-19 crisis suddenly developing.
“With this virtual schooling and what you all are doing, it’s just amazing to see the effort that has gone behind it,” he said. “It’s amazing to see the kids learning. I know we have some here at the church and they’re still excited to be able to connect with you. Thank you for the behind-the-scenes work that you are doing right now.”
Congressman Daniel Webster, state Sen. Dennis Baxley, Lake County Commissioner Josh Blake and Sheriff Peyton Grinnell also offered words of encouragement and thanks, as did Fruitland Park commissioners Chris Bell and John Mobilian, City Manager Gary La Venia and Vice Mayor John Gunter.
“You don’t know how much the citizens of Fruitland Park and myself appreciate you,” Gunter said.
Assistant Principal Dawn Brown closed out the tribute video by saying she’s thrilled to work alongside the school’s teachers and staff members on a daily basis.
“I know it’s been hard these past few weeks but you’ve done an amazing job stepping up to the challenge and making sure to be there for all of our students,” she said. “Please know that it does not go unnoticed. It is greatly appreciated. We miss you, we love you and we will get back to normal. Take care of yourselves and be safe. Thank you for all that you do.”