By NATALIE HOLTON
Poplar Springs teacher Elizabeth Smith has been selected as District Teacher of the Year from Holmes County for 2025.
Smith is a third-grade teacher and Varsity cheer sponsor and has been an educator for 28 years.
“I feel that it is an absolutely amazing honor and privilege to receive the state of Florida award for Holmes County Teacher of the year and to have received the award as Poplar Springs Teacher of the year as well,” she said.
Smith will attend the 2025 roundtable and gala July 22-25, where she will meet with other educators from across the state.
The event also provides professional learning for the district awardees. On July 25, Smith and the other educators will be given their award from the Commissioner of Education for the state of Florida.
“I’m so excited and blessed to be able to go and represent my school and Holmes County at this wonderful event. I’m very thankful to teach in a county that supports their teachers,” said Smith.
The Florida Department of Education’s Teacher of Year program selects 74 teachers from around Florida to represent their district at the roundtable and awards ceremony each year.
GARETT VALCOURT 
Staff Report 