Pictured: Stacy Lahdenpera and Terry Connor, Sarasota County's superintendent of schools.

Sarasota Ford and Le Mans Kitchen recently honored Stacy Lahdenpera, Sarasota County Schools’ overall 2024 School-Related Employee of the Year, during an award ceremony held on Feb. 29 at Michael’s on East in Sarasota. During the event, Lahdenpera was awarded by Sarasota Ford team members a free, two-year lease on a brand new 2024 black Bronco Sport, as well as extended the opportunity to be wined and dined with a guest at Le Mans Kitchen, the dealership’s restaurant. Lahdenpera currently serves as the administrative assistant for the principal of Riverview High School. The award was made possible through a partnership between Sarasota Ford and Tandem Construction. In conjunction with the lease, Lahdenpera and a guest will be treated to a three-course meal at Le Mans Kitchen, a first-of-its-kind restaurant inspired by Ford’s history of racing at the 24 hours of Le Mans in France, nestled inside Sarasota Ford’s dealership that offers a world-class culinary experience. The Florida Department of Education’s School-Related Employee of the Year program annually recognizes outstanding education support personnel for the significant contributions they make to their schools and district school systems. The program honors one state representative and four finalists from the 67 school districts in Florida. All non-certified, non-instructional educational support personnel who serve at the school or district level, including teacher aides, library aides, bookkeepers, bus drivers, food service staff and custodians, among others, may be nominated.

Pictured: Stacy Lahdenpera and Terry Connor, Sarasota County's superintendent of schools.