We want to recognize the Sun Blaze Elementary Teacher of the Year, Ms. Beth Stroshane. Ms. Stroshane is a phenomenal team leader for Special Areas, as well as a leader for our school. She creates and executes exemplary lessons for her young artists and fosters the creativity of each of our students. She always ensures that each student has an equal opportunity to learn, and she has improvised every year to make sure that her instructional methods are as effective as possible. 

Her positive attitude, professionalism, and ability to organize events, such as Fine Arts Night and leading the Yearbook Club, are only a few more reasons that make her a one-of-a-kind teacher. Ms. Stroshane goes above and beyond, not only for her students but for her colleagues, too. Ms. Stroshane exemplifies what it means to be a Sun Blaze teacher, being her very best … inside and outside of the classroom! She can truly be counted on for anything.

We also want to recognize the Sun Blaze Elementary Support Person of the Year, Ms. Lorraine Giammattei. Ms. Giammattei has been in the role of secretary/bookkeeper for little more than a year but has had a tremendous impact on the efficiency in which our front office runs. In her main role as secretary/bookkeeper, Ms. Giammattei works closely with our principal, Ms. Szymanski, to keep the school’s budget and books balanced. 

She oversees the purchase order process, monitors staff attendance records, and prepares all of the monthly principal reports, just to name a few of her responsibilities. Ms. Giammattei is highly versatile, able to cover multiple positions if needed with ease and efficiency. She can multitask numerous items at once, all the while maintaining laser-sharp attention to details and meeting all deadlines. 

Ms. Giammattei is an example to all in providing our parents and community with stellar customer service. She responds in a timely, accurate, courteous and empathetic manner, representing OCPS in a positive light. Ms. Giammattei demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to Sun Blaze. She is well-liked by all, students and staff alike. Her door is always open, and she won’t hesitate to drop what she is doing to answer questions or assist someone in need. 

Ms. Giammattei is a true leader in our front office. Her positive energy brightens everyone’s day. Our school would not run as efficiently without her on our team. She is truly the heartbeat of our school!

Sun Blaze would like to thank our Partner in Education, Championship Martial Arts of Lake Nona, for teaching our students the locomotor movement standard. Our students had a great time. The students also learned about focus, self-discipline, self-esteem, confidence, respect, and concentration.