Vivian Stornes, who works as a special-needs aide at Lamarque Elementary School in North Point, has been awarded the Sarasota County School District’s 2012 School-Related Employee of the Year. Selected from a group of 50 nomiees, Ms. Stornes was given a special thank-you from Germain Toyota of Sarasota.

Vivian Stornes and Superintendent Lori White

Germain Toyota, lead sponsor of the School-Related Employee of the Year program six years running, handed over the keys to a bright red 2012 Toyota Corolla LE for Stornes to drive for the next year.

“Wow! I never expected this,” said a surprised Vivian Stornes. “I see people here who affect so many children’s lives every day, so this is a great honor.”

Ms. Stornes says that she tries to live her life by following the Jewish proverb that states “If you help one person,  you change the world.” Other co-workers say Stornes has “one of the most challenging but rewarding support assignments in education. She understands the needs of our students with autism and respects and celebrates each one of them as individuals.”

Germain Toyota of Sarasota wishes the best of luck to Vivian Stornes and strongly encourages her to keep up the great work. Read more from this story here.

This week, Toyota’s new 2014 RAV4 crossover was captured in a few spy shots showing that the Japanese manufacturer plans a refresh for the upcoming year. From the pictures it is evident that most of the proportions will stay constant with the current model but further work will be done on the front fascia. Pedestrian safety regulations have likely played into the choice for Toyota to enhance the fenders and hood by making them taller.

The rear taillights have been extended to the liftgate for better visibility while the lower reflectors and the location of the tailpipe will remain similar to older models. Like last year’s model, the liftgate will continue to open vertically unlike past horizontal opening rears.

Expect updates to both four-cylinder and V6 offerings in the area of fuel economy and performance. Motor Authority reports that the “RAV4 EV will likely stick around as well, though again, in very limited production — not more than 2,500 units per year initially.