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Polk school board spotlights student artists, new principals and teacher leaders
Summary
At its May 5 meeting the Polk County School Board recognized student winners of the Congressional Art Competition and Mayor’s Art Club, welcomed new school principals and honored graduates of the 'Leading from the Classroom' teacher leadership program.
The Polk County School Board used its May 5 meeting to celebrate arts and leadership across the district.
Arts recognition: Congressman Scott Franklin's office presented the 2026 Congressional Art Competition award to Carice Silva, a sophomore at Harrison School for the Arts, whose mixed-media piece—stitched with the words "Happy 200 Birthday, America"—will be displayed in Washington, D.C. Mayor Tanya Tucker and Bartow city representatives also recognized student artwork that will be displayed at Bartow Regional Hospital as part of the mayor’s art club partnership.
New administrators and teacher leadership: Superintendent Hyde introduced Gian Monicelli as principal at Harrison School of the Arts and Jennifer Martinez as acting principal at Lakeland Highlands Middle. Director Carolyn Giro recognized graduates of the tenth Leading from the Classroom cohort and highlighted teacher-led initiatives such as wellness clinics and one-stop teacher resource projects.
Quotes: "I am very excited to serve in this new capacity at Harrison," Gian Monicelli said. Carice Silva described her winning piece: "My piece of art is definitely, like, inspired by the flag... I decided that it would probably be more interesting to just sew it myself."
Why it matters: The recognitions highlight district partnerships that promote arts education and teacher leadership; the presentations underscore community engagement and student achievement ahead of graduation season.
