More than 50 years ago the “Clermont Chamber of Commerce,” came up with an idea to kick off the school year by hosting a Teacher Appreciation Breakfast. The number of teachers numbered less than 100. Thirty years ago, the South Lake Chamber of Commerce took up the tradition and began hosting a back to school bash which has grown to include close to 2,000 South Lake Educators.

Teachers look forward to the annual event and the community looks forward to honoring them. The celebration is held normally in the Wesley Center at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Clermont.  K-12TH grade teachers and administrators are served a breakfast buffet, gifts, prizes, lots of love, appreciation and attention.

A TEACHER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST HELD BEFORE THE PANDEMIC

Due to the COVID pandemic, the annual back to school event isn’t kicking off this year with the fun and fanfare of year’s past but the Chamber, businesses, community organizations and parents are showing their love and appreciation more than ever. A total of 20 schools are participating in our 2020 event.

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce Staff and volunteers have been busy delivering a $500 check to each school, an assortment of prizes to raffle for teachers and a Chick-fil-A Clermont card for every teacher.

The South Lake Chamber of Commerce has visited to date  Clermont Elementary School, Pine Ridge Elementary School, Cypress Ridge Elementary School, Imagine South Lake Charter, Real Life Christian Academy, Mascotte Charter School, Groveland Elementary School, Lost Lake Elementary School, Minneola Charter School, Grassy Lake Elementary School, Sawgrass Bay Elementary, Windy Hill Middle School, East Ridge Middle School, Clermont Middle School, Gray Middle School, South Lake High School, East Ridge High School, Lake Minneola High School.

This year’s event is presented by Cemex and sponsored by Orlando Health, Logan, Bowyer & McCollough, P.A., Stephanie Walter Promotions, City of Clermont, Heather Theis State Farm Insurance Agency, Inc., Seacoast Bank, Kiwanis Club of Clermont, Educational Foundation of Lake County, Kiwanis Club of South Lake Foundation and Clermont Woman’s Club.
Beta Theta Members Michelle Delaney (Publicity), Toni Bell (President) and Joan Kyle (Mardi Gras) present two baskets and certificates to Dave Colby (President & CEO of South Lake Chamber of Commerce) for Teacher Appreciation. Event.
The sponsors for this event are: Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, Stephanie Walter Promotions, City of Clermont Government, Heather Thies – State Farm Agent, Seacoast Bank, Kiwanis Club of South Lake, Clermont Woman’s Club, Office Depot, Kiwanis Club of Clermont and Logan, Bowyer & McCollough, P.A., and HouseMaster.
Prizes have been generously donated by: Beta Theta ESA, HouseMaster, Education Foundation of Lake County, Seacoast Bank, Ritter’s Frozen Custard   DOGGY Delights BY Allison, Granny Nannies-Clermont FL, Matt & Chelsea at Hancock Real Estate, Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, The Outpouring, Gamez Foundation, Addition Financial, Sassy Yard Cards, Clermont Brewing Company, Beta Theta, Clermont Oyster Bar, Scates Realty & Investment Properties INC., Stephanie Walter Promotions, Gigi Capria, Christensen Financial Inc. – Mortgage Lender, Regina Cruz, Nails by Courtney, San Jose’s Original Mexican Restaurant – Clermont, FL,Ellie Lou’s Brews & BBQ – Clermont, and Monica Josephs.

Teachers, THANK YOU for the Comfort, Care, Skills and Learning, you bring to our children!

 

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