St. Cloud Mayor Rebecca Borders proclaimed Aug. 14 as Nanci Brillant Day in St. Cloud for Brillant’s accomplishments as a teacher and for her dedication to her students.

Brillant, the Osceola County School District’s 2013 Gaylord Palms Teacher of the Year, was also one of five finalists (of 180,000 nominated teachers) of the 2013 Macy’s/Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Award. Finalists are chosen on the basis of an outstanding ability to teach and communicate knowledge of the subject taught, professional development, philosophy of teaching, and outstanding school and community service.

Brillant teaches reading and college readiness at St. Cloud High School.

City Council bids farewell to Chamber

President David Lane

St. Cloud Mayor Rebecca Borders surprised everyone in City Council Chambers Aug. 9 during a regular council meeting by presenting a proclamation to St. Cloud Greater Osceola Chamber of Commerce President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Lane.

Long-time St. Cloud residents Lane and his wife, Cheryl, are relocating to South Carolina after serving the community for 12 years.

Lane will be the Clemson Area Chamber President/CEO. Council Member Tom Griffin, Borders, Deputy Mayor Russell Holmes and Council Member Mickey Hopper wished the Lanes the very best and thanked them for their dedication to the city, county, and community.

City of St. Cloud employee recognized for helping citizens receive rebates

Public Services Administrative Assistant Lisa Marion is the city of St. Cloud Employee of the Month for June.

Marion was recognized during a regular council meeting at City Hall Aug. 9 for her assistance in helping citizens receive South Florida Water Management District Governing Board’s Water Savings Incentive Program Toilet Rebate Program rebates.

“Lisa was an integral part in the grant application, administration, and completion of the program,” said Interim Public Services Administrator Veronica Miller.

“While performing her regular duties, she was the lead in coordinating the grant policy, application process, notifications to city of St. Cloud businesses, advertising citywide, and a letter outreach campaign to target older homes.”

“Lisa went out of her way to ensure that our residents who are elderly or unable to leave their home due to disabilities were still able to participate by making herself available to visit them at their homes and complete the required paperwork with them.

She has done a fantastic job managing the project and providing the necessary documentation as required.”

The $14,500 grant allowed more than 200 St. Cloud water customers to receive up to $145 to replace older model toilets with a low flow WaterSense toilet purchased from city of St. Cloud businesses.

Marion has been a City of St. Cloud employee for more than six years.