Padgett Elementary Secretary Zena Moody Honored by Polk County Public Schools
Years ago, Zena Moody sat with a family in the front office at Padgett Elementary School and signed a child up for kindergarten. She stayed to watch that same student walk the halls as a graduating senior. Later, when her own elderly parent needed hospital care, the nurse at the bedside was the student she had enrolled.
Moody, the principal’s secretary at Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School on Leelon Road in north Lakeland, is the latest employee Polk County Public Schools has honored in its Focused on Excellence campaign. The district announced the recognition Tuesday.
“Serving students and experiencing full-circle moments is what I love most about my job,” she said.
Now in its sixth year, Focused on Excellence asks district employees to nominate colleagues from any department for a chance to win prizes and be featured on the district’s own channels. Moody collected what the district described as an excellent package of gifts, underwritten by the 14 local businesses and organizations sponsoring the campaign, including MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Publix Super Markets Inc., and the Central Florida Development Council.
Padgett serves more than 500 students in kindergarten through fifth grade and ~30 teachers. Enrollment paperwork is part of Moody’s role, which is how she first met the kindergartner at the center of her story.
The campaign is one of the places the district shines a spotlight on staff who aren’t in a classroom. Coworkers make the nominations. For families at a Polk County elementary school, the front desk person is often the first voice they hear from the building, and usually becomes a familiar face.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Focused on Excellence in Polk County Public Schools?
It is a district campaign, now in its sixth year, that recognizes Polk County Public Schools employees. Employees nominate colleagues from any department for a chance at prizes and a feature on the district’s communication channels.
Who did Polk County Public Schools honor in October 2026?
Zena Moody, the principal’s secretary at Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School in Lakeland. The district announced the recognition Oct. 20, 2026.
Where is Padgett Elementary School?
Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School is at 110 Leelon Road in Lakeland.
How are Focused on Excellence honorees chosen?
By nomination from fellow Polk County Public Schools employees, drawn from across the district’s departments rather than from one school or job category.
How many students attend Padgett Elementary School?
The school says it serves more than 500 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, with about 30 teachers.
Sources: “Focused on Excellence: Zena Moody,” Polk County Public Schools, https://www.polkschoolsfl.com/news/focused_on_excellence_zena_moody, Oct. 20, 2026; “School Information,” Edgar L. Padgett Elementary School, polkschoolsfl.com, undated.
