Lakewood Ranch Early Childhood School Teacher Named Best In State

Olivia Loop and Gabbi Tomaselli – Mustangs Ahead

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL -- This was a successful summer for Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Early Childhood Education teacher Elaine Bowling. Bowling was announced the winner of the Florida Association Career Technical Educator (FACTE) award.

The FACTE is a non-profit organization committed to the development of education that will provide both young and adult Floridians for successful careers.

Manatee Schools Executive Director of Adult, Career and Technical Education, School District Doug Wagner contacted Bowling to ask her to apply for the award, knowing that she had a good chance of winning.

Bowling then decided to apply by submitting an application that required recommendations from former students and peers. There were over 10,000 other applicants from all over the state of Florida. Bowling was notified that she won only a few days before the award ceremony.

“I was very excited and humbled when I accepted my award. I was happy to finally be acknowledged for all my hard work over the past 41 years of teaching. I really love what I do, teaching kids is a passion of mine, I enjoy watching kids grow throughout the year and seeing the progress they made,” stated Bowling.

Junior Rachel Monroe, who has been a student of Bowling for three years said, “Mrs. Bowling is the kindest teacher I have ever had. She really cares for her students and wants the best for them. I love having her as my teacher, she is always in a good mood and is able to get others in a good mood, too.”

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