The Citrus County Education Foundation on Thursday named its choices for Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year.

Honored as Teacher of the Year for 2011 was Beverly Howard, and chosen as School-Related Employee of the Year for 2010 was Luz Rivera.

Beverly Howard is a fourth-grade teacher at Homosassa Elementary School. Her instructional capacity sets the standard to which all great teachers aspire, according to her nomination. Children excel under her guidance and instruction. "She works a special kind of magic for her students and her school," said HES Principal Scott Hebert.

Luz "Millie" Rivera is a paraprofessional at Forest Ridge Elementary. She spends her days … and nights helping the English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) community of the school to be successful in their academic pursuits. Whether working with students in groups, translating and interpreting for parents, attending trainings or promoting adult ESOL classes, she gives her all, according to her nomination, and then some! Principal Donnie Brown says, "She is respected for her wealth of knowledge, her ability to work with children and her willingness to share her knowledge with others."

More than 250 people attended the ceremonies at the Citrus Hills Country Club, and the event theme was, "A Galaxy of Stars."

The Citrus County Education Foundation, Inc. provides resources to support Citrus County Schools to enhance the quality of education. The group is dedicated to encouraging business and community involvement in the public school system; promoting creative and innovative educational programs; fostering excellence in learning and recognizing outstanding achievements of students, teachers, support personnel and administrators.