Dr. Lori Romano, Superintendent of Hernando County Schools, received a special Congressional Recognition Award during the February 27th meeting of the Hernando County School Board. Romano is the first individual from Hernando County to receive the Congressional Recognition.

Shahra Anderson, Regional Director from U.S. Senator Bill Nelson’s office, made the presentation before a packed boardroom, “In recognition of Women’s History Month and to pay homage to those women, those trailblazers who make a difference in the roles they play,” Anderson said.

“Dr. Romano’s leadership in partnering with the community to bring about more mental health services, her swift action in adding school resource officers following Parkland and her dedication to helping students succeed exemplifies what this recognition serves to celebrate,” Anderson said.

This special presentation was a well-guarded secret and came as a complete surprise to Romano. “I was completely stunned and speechless, but I am so humbled,” Romano said. “Leading Hernando County Schools is truly my honor and I am grateful for the support of outstanding leaders who make students the focus of their work,” Romano said.