As a South Sumter High Alumni, it is such an honor to be back home!

After graduation, like most 18-year-olds, I was anxious to start my journey into adulthood. Unsure of the exact path I needed to take or the course of study that was best for me, I moved to Tallahassee, where I attended Florida A&M University in pursuit of both. After just one year, “The Hill” as they called it, was more than this small town girl could handle, so back to Sumter County I went!  

After returning home, still very unsure of my pursuit of happiness, I applied for a job at Sumter County Boys and Girls Club. It was there that I found the answer.... kids! I loved going to work knowing that each day would always prove to be a different adventure than the day before.

I continued working full time, but also became a part-time student at Lake Sumter Community College where I received my Associated Degree and then on to the University of Central Florida where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in education.  After graduation, Webster Elementary was where I planted roots for the first thirteen years. The majority were as a third grade reading teacher and the last four as the Reading Coach/ Interventionist. The third grade classroom is where I realize that not every student will LOVE to read, but every student is CAPABLE. Sometimes, you just have to help them prove it to themselves!

I am currently in my second year as the Reading Coach / Interventionist here at South Sumter High.  Although I would never have imagined leaving elementary education for secondary, opportunity knows best, and I would not change a thing.

Being able to now shake the hands of my once third grade students as they cross the graduation stage at South Sumter High has been such a privilege and an honor and I look forward to many more years to come!