More than 1,600 South Lake teachers returned to work this week to prepare for the new school year, but before classrooms fill with students Aug. 10, the community made sure educators started their own first days back feeling appreciated.

Breakfast, entertainment, plenty of school spirit and, most of all, a reminder that the community is behind them awaited teachers at the South Lake Chamber of Commerce’s 36th annual Teacher Appreciation breakfasts Monday and Tuesday at the Wesley Center at Living Hope Church in Clermont.

Middle school and high school teachers were honored Monday, followed by elementary school and K-8 teachers Tuesday.

“We’re happy to celebrate over 1,600 South Lake teachers,” South Lake Chamber President Dave Colby says.

With support from businesses and sponsors throughout the community, including presenting sponsors AdventHealth, Orlando Health South Lake Hospital and Cemex, the two day event featured more than $25,000 in door prizes, goodie bags, theme park tickets and more.

Additionally, the Chamber gave out $6,000 in grants, $2,000 each to one elementary, middle and high school.

Lost Lake Elementary, Cecil E. Gray Middle and Lake Minneola High were this year’s recipients.

“A lot of times, they spend it on the teachers, sometimes they’ll use it towards trainings or  events for their staff, but we’re able to give them that gift and just bring them together and show them our appreciation,” Colby says.

For Colby, the two days were defined by the outpouring of support from South Lake businesses; part of what he says makes the annual celebration special.

“Everybody wants to support our local educators, so the chamber is the vehicle through which people can make their donation, and we can distribute it in a grand way through our teacher appreciation event,” he says.

Clermont Mayor Tim Murry says teachers deserve that support for the role they play in educating and preparing the community’s children.

“It takes special people to be in the classroom, especially in today’s environment so we can’t do anything but appreciate everything they do,” Murry says.

He says the excitement and enthusiasm he witnessed during both mornings also gives teachers a boost as they head into another school year.

“I think it’s a great start for the year,” Murry says. “Just showing them the appreciation from the community and how we appreciate what they’re doing.”

And there was no shortage of enthusiasm.

One of the biggest highlights each year is the Spirit Contest when educators are encouraged to pull out all the stops to prove their school has the most spirit.

Teachers dressed up, screamed, cheered, jumped up and down, waved flags and banners, blew whistles, stood on chairs, banged on instruments and completely let loose, if only for a few minutes. Some schools even brought backup in the form of cheerleaders, marching band members and mascots.

On Monday, South Lake High School won serious bragging rights, along with a catered  lunch at San Jose’s for their entire staff.

On Tuesday, Aurelia Cole Academy left it all on the table as they screamed their way to victory and $500 to spend at Peisano’s.

For Aurelia Cole administrators Mary Grace Phillips, Megan Randolph and Paige White, the morning, while fun as can be, represented much more than winning a contest.

“It’s so amazing to feel the love and support from the community,” Phillips says. “I know so much preparation goes into all of this, and it just starts our year off right and we couldn’t thank everyone more.”

Randolph says hearing Aurelia Cole students sing “We’re All in This Together” was especially fitting as educators begin another year.

“This event, especially at the beginning of preplanning week, really just reminds us that it takes an entire village and a community and we’re just so grateful that we have everyone rallying behind us and our teachers to support kids all year,” Randolph says. “It was amazing.”

White agreed.

“I think teaching is so complex now, and teachers do such a phenomenal job rallying behind kids, and so it’s just such a treat to see the community rallying behind our teachers,” she says. “What a wonderful event. It truly sets us up on the right foot the entire year.”

Lake County Schools Superintendent Diane Kornegay also had plenty to celebrate, telling educators that the district is once again A-rated and that more than 90% of South Lake schools earned an A or B rating.

She also pointed to graduation rates of 95% or higher at South Lake’s three high schools, accomplishments she credited directly to educators.

“It is you all that make that happen every day for our kids,” Kornegay says. “You show up every single day.”

For two mornings, however, it was the community’s turn to show up for them.

Photos: Roxanne Brown