Carol Kosakoski has been named the Lake County Schools 2018-19 Volunteer of the Year, Michelle Rosenbaum is the district’s new School-Related Employee of the Year, and The Lake County Tourism and Development Council is the Business Partner of the Year.
The announcements were made during the Educational Foundation of Lake County’s annual Night of Stars celebration on Wednesday, April 18.
Kosakoski is a volunteer at Minneola Charter Elementary where she is known for her hugs and for always being around when someone needs her. She has been a support for the students and staff at the school for over 10 years. Angel Valenta, media specialist at Minneola Charter Elementary School, said Kosakoski helps in all areas. “There’s a little part of her in everything,” she said.
When Rosenbaum (pictured, left) heard her name announced as the School-Related Employee of the year, she turned to hug her colleagues and coworkers before approaching the podium. At the podium, with tears in her eyes, she said, “This is for my father. I just lost him 3 weeks ago and it has been a tough month.” She turned to her table of coworkers and continued, “You guys have helped so much. I come to work and you all are my family. Thank you so much.”
Rosenbaum has been a clerical assistant in the district’s Transportation Department for 11 years. Her peers say she has been instrumental in building relationships with parents and schools and has developed a communication system with bus drivers to ensure they are aware of new students.
The Lake County Tourism and Development Council (pictured, right) was recognized for their outstanding service to Lake County Schools during one of the Educational Foundation’s largest and most lucrative annual events, The Lady of the Lakes Renaissance 
Faire. Each year the Council assists with accommodating the two weekends of festivities. They even make a donation to the Educational Foundation at the end of the event to celebrate its success.
The night was filled with recognition for those who have and continue to support Lake County Schools in various ways. Rosanne Brandeburg, a former Lake County Schools board member, was presented with the Scott A. Strong Award; Janet Bolivar, past president of the Educational Foundation, was awarded Educational Foundation Board Member of the Year, and Century Link presented thousands of dollars in grants to teachers to support projects they are doing with their students.
