Maranatha Law Honors Polk County Educators with Servant's Heart Award, Naming Three Local Teachers as Winners

servant's heart award contest winners

Maranatha Law, a Lakeland-based personal injury firm, has announced the winners of its Servant's Heart Award contest in Polk County, Florida

LAKELAND, FL, UNITED STATES, August 10, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Maranatha Law, a Lakeland-based personal injury firm serving Polk County and the surrounding region, is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Servant's Heart Award, an “Inspiring Educator” recognition program created to celebrate the teachers who shape character, build community, and lead students every day.

After an open nomination period and a community-wide vote that closed April 30th, 2026, three Polk County educators rose to the top of a heartfelt field of nominees. Each winner was selected by public vote, with thousands of community members rallying behind the teachers who made the biggest difference in their lives.

Meet the Winners
First Place ($1,000): Sherry Scott
Scott took home the top honor for the passion and patience she brings to her culinary classroom. For her, the reward is watching students put their training into action. “To see when they finally get something, that AHA moment, but honestly, I learn from them every day too,” Scott shared. “So when I walk into my room and I see all different groups of kids working together and they are laughing and learning and making memories, that is why I teach.”

Second Place ($500): Sarah Legutki
Legutki earned second place for her dedication to helping high school students build the reading skills they need to graduate and to thrive long after graduation. “Watching their confidence grow as their skills improve, while building such meaningful relationships with them, is truly one of the biggest bright spots in my life,” she said. “The students are what make this job so fulfilling and rewarding. I am very lucky to do what I do.”

Third Place ($250): Rachel Hamic
Hamic, a math teacher at All Saints Academy, was recognized for fostering a growth mindset and a sense of family in every class she leads. “The aha moments when I see a concept finally click are the cherry on top of the consistent perseverance I see in my students every day,” Hamic said. “Each individual class becomes a family that lifts one another up and holds each other accountable. My students inspire me to continue becoming a better teacher and person every day.”

Why Maranatha Law Created the Award
The Servant's Heart Award reflects a value at the core of the firm's mission: showing up for the community in meaningful ways. Maranatha Law built the program to give families, students, and neighbors a simple way to say thank you to the educators who go above and beyond.
“Great teachers do so much more than deliver lessons. They build confidence, character, and hope,” said Tim Shanahan, founding attorney at Maranatha Law. “As a firm rooted in this community, we wanted to put a spotlight on the people who serve our kids with a servant's heart. Recognizing Sherry, Sarah, and Rachel has been one of the most rewarding things we have done all year.”

While the firm is best known as a trusted Lakeland Personal Injury Lawyer advocating for accident victims across Polk County, its leadership believes that supporting the local community extends well beyond the courtroom. Programs like the Servant's Heart Award are part of a broader commitment to investing in the people who make the region stronger.

A Community Effort
The contest drew nominations from across Polk County, with supporters browsing entries, casting votes, and sharing nominees across social media to rally friends, family, and alumni. Voting was open to everyone, and the enthusiastic turnout underscored just how deeply this community values its educators.
Maranatha Law extends its sincere gratitude to every teacher who was nominated, every voter who participated, and every supporter who helped spread the word. The firm looks forward to making the Servant's Heart Award an annual tradition and celebrating even more inspiring educators in the years ahead.

About Maranatha Law
Maranatha Law is a personal injury firm headquartered in Lakeland, Florida, with additional offices in Fort Lauderdale, Safety Harbor, Kissimmee, and Plant City. As a dedicated Lakeland Personal Injury Law Firm, the firm represents clients in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, and other personal injury matters throughout Polk County and across Florida. Guided by a commitment to compassion, integrity, and results, the team helps injured individuals pursue healing and the justice they deserve.

Tim Shanahan
Maranatha Law
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