LPHS’s Toni Stivender is
state Principal of the Year
JOURNAL PHOTO BY MAT DELANEY
Lake Placid High School principal Toni Stivender (at right) was feted at a surprise celebration before the start of school Thursday after being named Florida's Principal of the Year. Pictured with her are, left to right, Student Government Association treasurer Jessie Sanders, SGA vice president Abigail Sanperi, SGA president Melody Bates, and SGA faculty advisor Melissa Sohn.
Lake Placid High School principal Toni Stivender — a 42-year veteran of the Highlands County school system — has been chosen Florida’s Principal of the Year by the Florida Association of Student Councils.
The honor was kept secret until moments before Stivender was told of her selection in a ceremony before the start of school Thursday. Faculty members joined with Student Government Association officers and Stivender’s husband George and son Travis, at the celebration. Balloons emblazoned with “congratulations” and a large sheet cake greeted Stivender at the close of the brief ceremony.
