About the Excellence in Education series

ABOUT THE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION SERIES

Each year, the Manatee County School District names a teacher of the year and a support employee of the year. The Excellence in Education awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2, when the finalists will find out who takes the top prize.The Bradenton Herald is taking a closer look at each of the finalists. Featured Feb. 7: finalists Deborah Miele and Tina Lundy. Featured Feb. 14: Kari Stanley and JerryAnn Fract. Featured today, Feb. 21: Cheryl Smith and Becky Rouse. Next week, the Herald will feature Mary Anne Maginot, the remaining teacher finalist, and Suzanne Theiss, the remaining support employee finalist.

This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 11:13 PM with the headline "About the Excellence in Education series ."