Marion County Announces Teacher of the Year Finalists

The Marion County School District has announced six finalists for the 2025 Teacher of the Year award, which will be revealed during the Golden Apple Gala on February 1. The finalists include experienced educators from various schools within the district, with Courtney Morris recognized as the Rookie Teacher of the Year and Franchesca Jiminez awarded as the School-Related Employee of the Year. Simultaneously, Manatee County has revealed four finalists for both the Educator of the Year and Support Employee of the Year, with an awards ceremony scheduled for February 5, 2025. The Excellence in Education Awards in Manatee County are supported by the Manatee Education Foundation and local partnerships. Dr. Michael Thorsland, currently the Oconee County School Superintendent, is a finalist for the same position in Horry County, with a decision expected on December 19. Thorsland, who has served in his current role for a decade, has had his contract extended through 2026.