They get an 'A'

CITRUS HILLS — One’s a physical education teacher and the other a custodian, but Michael Porcelli and Dennis

DAVE SIGLER

Michael Porcelli was named Teacher of the Year on Thurday at Citrus Hills Country Club. Porcelli, right, shakes hands with teacher Scott Hebert while making his way toward a podium to be recognized. Hebert was named Florida Teacher of the Year in 1999.

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DAVE SIGLER

Dennis Bidlack was named Support Person of the Year. Bidlack works at Citrus Springs Elementary School.

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Bidlack have something in common:

Both love their jobs in the Citrus County School District.

And both were stunned when their names were announced.

Porcelli, who teaches at Hernando Elementary School, and Bidlack, custodian at Citrus Springs Elementary School, received top honors as the teacher and school-related employee of the year Thursday night during the Galaxy of Stars banquet sponsored by the Citrus County Education Foundation.

“This is a big shock!” Bidlack said. “Everybody deserves it. Our hearts are here for the kids. At each school we’re called to do our duty.”

Before Porcelli could say a word after accepting his award, Superintendent of Schools Sandra “Sam” Himmel told an amusing story about falling flat on her back while Porcelli led an exercise routine with district staffers.

“I thought I broke every muscle in my back, so I’m not sure how you got this,” Himmel joked.

Porcelli, who believes in urging exercise for children and adults, said he too was stunned with the award.

“I love Citrus County,” he said. “There’s nothing but love and respect for everyone here.”

Porcelli has 20 years of teaching experience, including eight at Hernando Elementary. His principal, Laura Manos, wrote in her letter nominating Porcelli as district teacher of the year that Porcelli is often thinking of new ways to capture the interests of his students.

“With families often too busy to sign their children up for organized sports in the evenings and weekends, Mr. Porcelli has developed what is called a Sports Camp,” Manos wrote. “In the mornings, parents are able to drop their children off to obtain a well-balanced program that exposes their children to many different sports, thus preparing them for the transition to middle school intramurals. This is a very popular program at Hernando.”

Porcelli also started an afterschool fitness program for the staffers.

“While students are on their way home on the buses, our staff can be found out back swearing to the strenuous cross-fit program he has designed especially for them,” Manos wrote.

Porcelli said he wants children to understand the importance of staying physically fit.

“I tell them, ‘Your body is something you will own for the rest of your life,’” he said. “I just want to be a piece to the puzzle.”

Bidlack also sets his goals beyond custodial duties, Citrus Springs Elementary Principal Scott Hebert wrote in his nomination letter.

Bidlack assists with the school’s track team.

“He works with the students in learning the basics of stretching, sprinting and running,” Hebert wrote. “He motivates the students to go above and beyond their potential to achieve success.”

Bidlack said that is his passion.

“I love working with kids,” he said. “My heart has always been for kids. I love ’em.”

Chronicle reporter Mike Wright can be reached at 352-563-3228 or mwright@chronicleonline.com.