The School District of Lee County is proud to announce Rebekah Rudd has been selected as the 2026 School Related Employee of the Year. Rudd is the Parent Involvement Specialist at Manatee Elementary School. She was recently surprised by Superintendent Dr. Denise Carlin, School Board members, District administrators and school staff with her award.
“I can’t believe it. I’m really surprised,” Rudd said after receiving her award. “The best part of my job is helping families get the things they need. A lot of our families don’t have a lot, and I love to see the smile on their faces when we are able to provide for them.”
Rudd has made a lasting impact on her school community. She builds strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues through open communication, respect, and collaboration. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom as she leads the school’s food pantry and uniform closet, ensuring families have access to essential resources. She arrives early, stays late, and steps in wherever help is needed. She is credited with creating a positive and nurturing environment where students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
“Rebekah is a shining example of what it means to be a dedicated, compassionate, and community-driven school professional,” said Kristine Calcara, Principal at Manatee Elementary.
“As our Parent Involvement Specialist, she builds lasting and meaningful relationships with families, students, staff, and the community, always putting others first and serving with a heart of gold. In every way, Rebekah exemplifies the values of service, compassion, and excellence. Her work benefits not only individual students and families but also the school and district as a whole. She leads with her heart, lifts others, and is deeply deserving of recognition as an outstanding school-related employee.”
The School Related Employee of the year represents the thousands of dedicated staff members that work in Lee County Schools every day. They are the bus drivers, technical support staff, social workers, helping teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, cafeteria staff, custodians and more. School administrators nominated deserving support personnel. A selection committee of school and district leadership reviewed nomination forms, commendations received, and continuing education and training courses completed by nominees to select the award recipient.
Ms. Rudd will be formally recognized by the School Board of Lee County for her award in February. Her nomination will be forwarded to the Florida Department of Education for state School-Related Employee of the Year competition. The School District of Lee County would like to thank Suncoast Credit Union for sponsoring the School Related Employee of the Year recognition.
