This week’s teacher spotlight is:
Ms. Cantrell
Ms. Cantrell is a teacher at Mckeel Academy. She teaches Web Design, Photoshop,& CCC(Computing colleges and careers).
Mrs. Cantrell has been teaching at McKeel Academy since 1997. She holds a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology and has her Educational Leadership certification for the state of Florida.
When she is not working she likes to spend her spare time, with her husband Bryan, taking and teaching yoga classes, spinning at Urban Cycling, working out, running, blogging, adjunct teaching at HCC, watching movies and playing with her two dogs.
She is the teacher spotlight because she is fun & cool. She has different ranges of grades levels she teaches.
Ms. Cantrell is an amazing teacher!
Written by: Lauren Barnhill Posted by: Tyler Parker___________________________________________________________________________
Student Spotlight
Ladaisia Deshazor
Ladaisia Deshazor is a 9th grader, she seems to be popular with the other kids and she is very spontaneous during the school day. Everyone in the 9th grade pretty much knows her or has heard of her, and the random things that she does. Every day she brings mints to school and gives them out to pretty much anyone. According to her friends, she is one of the funniest and loudest people that they know. I talked to a few of her friends to get their opinion on her.
Me: Are you one of Ladaisia’s close friends?
Lauren: Sure.
Me: Would you say that she has a funny personality?
Lauren: Yes, she is very loud and funny.
Me: Ok thank you.
Me: Taylor, do you think Ladaisia is a good friend?
Taylor: Sometimes she is obnoxious but she comes through in the end.
Me: What do you think about her yelling at random kids in the hallway?
Taylor: It’s one of the funniest things to see but I feel bad because those kids end up being scared.
Me: Do you have anything else you would like to say about Ladaisia?
Taylor: No comment.
Me: Ok thank you for your time.
Me: Tabatha, What do you think about Ladaisia’s personality?
Tabatha: I think that her personality is very odd but she is a good friend who likes to scare little children. But she likes harassing kids just like me and we don’t do it seriously, everyone knows that were always kidding.
Me: well that’s good to know I guess.
Tabatha: Yeah, but she is a very good friend and she doesn’t like for her friends to be messed with.
Me: Okay, thank you for your time Tabatha.
Tabatha: No problem, deuces.
Ladaisia’s friends really like her and say that she is a good friend. Her outstanding personality is something to find in most people but it is Ladaisia, so don’t take anything she says seriously.
Written by: Claudia Logsdon Posted by: Tyler ParkerStaff Spotlight of the Week:
Mrs. Michelle Montero
Mrs Montero is our teacher spotlight of the week. Not only is she kind-hearted and loving but She has a degree in Business Administration and she is certified in Elementary Education grades K-6, Integrated Curriculum grades 5-9 and ESOL. This will be Mrs. Montero’s 11th year as an educator and her 8th year teaching at McKeel. she is proud to say that she had the honor of teaching in all three McKeel schools. Her hobbies are cooking, gardening and time with her two daughters Jordan(10th)and Emily(9th). She is a HUGE Detroit Tigers fan. Also Mrs. Montero’s extra-curricular activities include helping with Math Counts. She looks forward to another fantastic year in 6th grade.
Kaci Gingras
Buy a big fat diamond ring.
Are you a spender or a saver?
Don’t have one
If you were a character on a tv show, which one would you be?
What’s the funniest movie you’ve ever seen?
Teacher Spotlight of the Week:
Mr. Marcelin- Algebra II, Liberal Arts Teacher, Girls Varsity Basketball Coach
Why did you decide to become a Teacher?
I have always really liked math, and helping other to better understand math so
I guess it is a obvious conclusion to teach math.
Whats your favorite part about teaching?
Watching students who have struggled in math, begin to have success in math class
and somewhat even enjoy doing math.
Did you always want to be a teacher?
Part of me always has wanted to be a teacher at some point in my life , I guess it just worked out to happen sooner rather than later..
Hows Girls Varsity Basketball going so far?
It is very early, we have not had any reagular games. The preseason has been somewhat struggle, but I believe that we can grow from the experience and have a really good team this season. There is always room for improvement from the coaching staff to the players.
How do you predict this season to be?
I predict us to win our district, and from them only the amount of hard work and
Commitment will limit how far we can go as a team.
A Special Salute to Spotlight Teacher(s) of the Week:
Thank You! To Our McKeel Veterans
- Mark Jones
Branch: United States Navy Reserve
Number of Years: 8
Job/Rank: Radioman Second Class (RM2)
Experience: “I learned perseverance, discipline, teamwork, and respect.
I would not be where I am today without these experiences.”
- Denis Dill 
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Number of Years: 6
Rank: corp. E4
Job: Was a jet mechanic and primary marksmanship instructor. Also
shot for the 2nd marine air wing rifle and pistol team.
Experience: “I had fun with it. It shaped who I became as an adult.”
- Bob Kuhnert
Branch: United States Marine Corps
Number of Years: 21
Rank at retirement: Lieutenant Colonel
Job: Intelligence Officer
Experience: Although military service requires a lot of sacrifice and can
be very hard on family life (since you are basically on-call 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year), I loved my time in the Marine Corps. I enjoyed
the challenge, the adventure, the opportunity to see so many new places
and interact with people of many different cultures, and the lack of
monotony in the day-to-day requirements of the job. It seemed that
nearly every day presented a new dilemma and I enjoyed the spontaneity required to quickly overcome new challenges.
What I’d like to add: As a veteran, I’ve never felt that anyone “owes
me” any type of recognition or pat on the back, but I speak from
experience when I tell you that it definitely warms the heart of veterans
to know that their service to this country, and the sacrifices that
service entailed, are recognized and appreciated. I, and I’m sure all
the other veterans involved, are touched and deeply appreciative of the
recognition and attention that the Schools of McKeel Academy provides
to veterans at this time each year.
- Christopher Bradford
Branch: United States Army
Number of Years: 4
Rank: Specialist
Job: Signal Support System Specialist
Experience: “It was terrific and life changing. It taught me a whole lot
about responsibility and teamwork. The military gives you a deeper
respect and love for your country.”
- Steve Viers
Branch: United States Army
Student Spotlight of the Week:
Attlia Surio, 12th Grade
Do you like McKeel this year?
Do you see any changes than last year?
Are you excited about graduation?
- Yes because my parents would be proud of me and that I will be able to be a succesful and independent person.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
- Going to PSC for two years than transfering to UF to major in biology so that I may become a Wildlife Biologist.
Are you parents ready for you to leave home?
Teacher Spotlight of the Week:
Mr. Smith- Track & Cross Country Coach, P.E Teacher
What experience do you have in this field?
- As a teacher, I have the personal experiences taught to me by my elementary, middle, high school and college teachers. Growing up, I had both good and bad teachers, and that experience has helped me to be a better teacher. After college, I took courses specifically for the education field designed to help better understand the classroom.
As a coach, I ran competitively growing up, earning athletic scholarships to several Division 1 programs. Having competed at the State level, I feel I’m able to apply what my coaches taught me to athletes at our program.
Do you consider yourself successful?
- To an extent, yes. I’m very happy with what I’ve achieved so far, but life is a marathon, not a sprint. There are still goals I have yet to achieve and milestones to reach.
What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
- Teaching digital arts has been an unexpected surprise. Being a brand new experience to me, I’ve exposed myself to an area of knowledge foreign to me as of 6 months ago. I really enjoy sharing this newfound knowledge with my students.
What is your philosophy towards work?
- First and foremost, enjoy yourself. I got into teaching because I knew I enjoyed interacting with young people and wanted to contribute to society. My goal is to develop a positive relationship with every child. I encourage students and athletes to be successful, but do it while having a good time. Life it too short to be serious.
Tell me about your dream job.
- My dream job would be a writer. I really enjoy placing my thoughts onto paper, and if I could find a way to convince people to buy my thoughts….well, it’d be really cool. J
What is more important to you: the money or the work?
- It’s a combination of both. Of course no one gets into education for the money, but when you look at the number of days worked compared to salary, teachers make out pretty well. But I’m teaching because I enjoy it. I’ve had higher paying jobs, hated them, and subsequently left. I guess from a logic standpoint, I’m here for the work. It helps that teaching can pay the bills though.
Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
- Wow, so many good times to consider. There are still times I get goose bumps when I see students “get it”, even after 8 years in the classroom. I really enjoy going on field trips, I think our students learn more on these field trip days than we realize. There are so many valuable experiences that are had during the course of the field trip. Wildwood and 8th grade Grad nite have been my most fun days on the job.
What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
- My biggest disappointment has been the kids I haven’t been able to help. There have been a couple of kids along the way I have heard about that took the wrong path. In a perfect world, I could have done something to help keep them on track. There are always a few that fall through the crack and I get disappointed with myself that I didn’t do more.
Teacher Spotlight of the Week:
Mr. Kuhnert, American Government & Law Studies Teacher
One of the teacher Spotlights of the week is Mr. Bob Kuhnert. This 2011/2012 school year will be Mr. Kuhnert’s eighth year at McKeel Academy. He has a Bachelors Association degree in Political Science and Speech from Westminster (PA) College. He also has a Master’s Degreefrom USF. Mr. Kuhnert spent 21 years as a Marine Corps Officer prior to discovering the joy of
teaching.
While he was part of the Marines, Mr. Kuhnert fought in the Vietnam War and since Veterans Day is coming up soon we would like to honor him. His outside interests include: sports, reading, and music. He is excited to have the opportunity to help prepare another group of outstanding young men and women to transition from the high school classroom to greater
opportunities beyond these walls. So if you happen see Mr. Kuhnert in the halls of McKeel; make sure you say thank you and congrats! because he is the teacher spotlight of the week.
Teacher Spotlight of the Week:
Miss. Kreager, 11th Grade English Teacher
Tell me about yourself.
- I am originally a Hoosier from Indiana, where I grew up on a mini-farm raising/owning: cows, horses, cats, and dogs. I wanted to come to Florida for college because I got sick and tired of the snow. The sunshine, beaches, and of course Disney persuaded me to stay down here. Growing up I participated in band, chorus, and the teen drama group at my church. I always knew I wanted to teach and the experiences that I had during my youthful years led me to English. I took many English electives in high school, fostering my love of writing and literature, which then led me to the career I am in. My biggest passion in life, other than teacher, is photography. I love looking at a scene and trying to figure out the best way to capture it. Photography has become a hobby for me in the last six years and learning different styles and techniques is fascinating to me.
What experience do you have in this field?
- Teaching has been a life long dream for me and I have absorbed every opportunity possible to gain experience. Throughout my college I took every opportunity to teach during my observation hours as I possibly could, because sometimes classes on education and teaching doesn’t always to the trick. I did my college internship at McKeel and learned so much from just those four short months. After college I substituted at McKeel, until I got that joyous call asking me to come and work here full-time.
Do you consider yourself successful?
- Just getting into my career field, I can’t say that I am fully successful. What I can say is that I believe that I have had my successful moments. There are elements in teaching that I do feel successful in, but there are elements that will always be a work in progress, at least for a while.
What have you done to improve your knowledge in the last year?
- Read. I am an English teacher and using reading as a learning tool is what I do. I have bought and received many books to do with teaching, English, FCAT, Grammar, etc., and reading them gives me ideas that I might not of thought of on my own. Also, communication with other teachers, my bosses, and other employees has helped me gain knowledge as well.
What is your philosophy towards work?
- My philosophy is that no matter where you are working you need to do your best.
Tell me about your dream job.
- Teaching has always been my dream job, but if I had to pick something other than this, it would be a writer. I love taking the stories and characters that form in my brain and writing about them on paper, watching them transform into something real. Writing is a release and it is something I have always wanted to do. I hope that maybe I can do both: teach and write.
What is more important to you: the money or the work?
- Work is more important to me. I never looked at the salary of teachers, even when I was in college. The only thing I knew is that it was the highest paying job, but that never stopped me from wanting to do this. The students are the reason I want to teach, because they are the next generation of leaders and I want to be apart of that process of getting them ready.
Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
- Okay, to me teaching doesn’t stop after we leave the classroom. I am still their teacher whether I see them at the Cobb or come and watch them participate in their extracurricular activity. So the most fun I have had is watching my students do what they love to do whether it be on a baseball field, volleyball court, or musical stage. To see them light up at something they love and to be able to watch them shine in that activity is worth it to me. I love sports, concerts, and drama productions, so whenever I can go and watch one or a dozen of my students excel in one or more of those it is the most fun for me.
What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
- I don’t know. I haven’t been here long enough to experience one yet. I probably will in the future.
Teacher Spotlight of the Week:
Mr. Fields- United States History, APUSH Teacher
Mr. Fields will be teaching for his 15th year in 2011-2012, and his fifth year at McKeel Academy. Besides teaching AP US History, 11th grade American History & Psychology, he is also the “Wildcat Rules!” sponsor and “Rock Around the Clock!” promoter. He has previously been a PE teacher at North Lakeland Elementary, a Geography/History teacher at Southwest Middle School, a teacher resource specialist for the Polk County School Board, and the Dean of Students at Crystal Lake Middle School. Mr. Fields graduated from Lake Gibson High School in 1990. He also graduated from the University of Florida in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, with concentrations in 20th-century American History & Latin American history. In his spare time, Mr. Fields enjoys golfing, reading, being outdoors, watching the GATORS, and hanging out with his beautiful wife (Mrs. Fields – back for her 10th year at MAT) and their awesome little Wildcats, Ethan & Emery!! So if you see Mr. Fields in the halls of McKeel, make sure you tell him HI!! Because he is the spotlight of the week.
The Student Spotlight of the Week Is:
Briesha Callins- 10th Grade
Briesha Callins aka. Bri is a 10th grade student at McKeel Academy of Technology. She is on a dance team for her church and she has been on it ever since his 8th grade year. She enjoys hanging out with friends, dancing, and cheerleading. Briesha always is laughing and joking around with her friends in the hallway. In the future Briesha wants to be a Criminal Lawyer. If Briesha could go back in time she would go back to 9th because she misses her first year of high school and would like to enjoy it more than what she did. So when you see her in the hallways of McKeel tell her “Hi!” because she is the student Spotlight of the Week!
Teacher Spotlight of the Week
Mr. Kawaihae- World History, AP World History Teacher, Assistant Boys Varsity Soccer Coach
This will be Mr. Kawaihae’s 5th year teaching, before he came to McKeel he was a teacher at Bill Duncan, and before that he was in the Peace Corps Volunteer
in Bangladesh. Mr. Kawaihae, Loves to educate young minds about different cultures, religions, and practices from around the world. When Kawaihae isn’t shaping the minds of his students he, loves to spend time with his wife travel the world looking for an adventure on every trip he goes. Mr. Kawaihae is also one of the sponsors for interact, a club that allows kids in high school to earn community service hours with their friends while making a difference in the community. Kawaihae loves animal fish especially!
Student Spotlight of the Week
Jeremy Gibbs- 12th Grade
Micah Gibbs best known as Jeremy is a 12th grade student at Mckeel Academy of Technology. He does not play any sports at Mckeel but he is on the drum line. He enjoys spending time in the booth; meaning that he loves to write and record his own music. Micah also loves to play football and played for Kathleen for the past three years. In the future Micah proclaims that he is going to be a rapper/producer and when he makes to the top he is going to make sure his cousin DayDay takes that journey with him. To do this he is going to go to a music school and gain all of the knowledge that he possibly can and use it to his advantage. If Jeremy could go back in time he would go back to the good old days where life was all fun and games and when he had nothing to worry about. So when you see him in the hallways of McKeel tell him “Hi!” and ask about his upcoming mix tape which will be out in November because he is the student Spotlight of the Week!
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK:
Ms. Juliano- Algebra 1 Teacher
Ms. Rebecca Juliano’s is the spotlight of the week! This is her second year at McKeel Academy, but she has been teaching for 12 years now. She is so excited to be a part of the McKeel Academy of Technology and to impart mathematical knowledge to all her students. Her hobbies include spending time with her 3 beautiful children, whose names are: Brendan 8, Ameliya 6, and Maurri 4, photography, playing and watching sports. If any of you need her to take your calendar portraits, she is willing to do so. Her photography is really good too. So if you see her in the halls of McKeel make sure you say “HEY!” And ask her to do you portraits because she is the spotlight of the week!! Here are some examples of her photography:
Taylor Cornelius- 12th Grade
Taylor Cornelius a.k.a Daddy T. is a 12th grade student at Mckeel Academy of Technology. He is on the baseball team and he has been on it ever since his 8th grade year. He enjoys fishing and making people laugh. Taylor always has a joke up his sleeve; even though they sometimes come out at the wrong time. In the future Taylor wants to manage his own business and somehow be a coach of a little league team. If Taylor could go back in time he would go back to the 11th grade when he was on the school bus on his way to Lake Placid. (Enough Said). So when you see him in the hallways of McKeel tell him “Hi!” because he is the student Spotlight of the Week!
ADMINISTRATOR SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Dr. Acocelli, Principal
She is the most awesome person in the world. She will do anything for anybody. Dr. A received her Master’s degree from Florida Southern College and continued on to Southeastern, where she graduated with a Ph.D. She was a 9th grade algebra teacher here at Mckeel before moving up to assistant Principal. This year, she was promoted to Principal. Dr. A has 2 kids and 1 grandchild, but that doesn’t mean she’s old. She is just as snazzy as she was in high school! So when you see her in the hallways of McKeel tell her “Hi!” because she is the teacher/staff Spotlight of the Week!
Jamar Bolden- 12th Grade &
Mrs. Borchers- Intensive Reading, AP Composition Teacher
This is Mrs. Borcher’s 12th year of teaching and her 6th year at McKeel. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s in English. She also has a Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy. She has five boys and two granddaughters and enjoys spending time with her family in her spare time. As all of you know, she has a passion for teaching, reading and learning. All of you can agree that Mrs. B is one of the coolest teachers on the earth.
Jamar is a funny, loving, big ball of Happiness. He is friends with everyone. He is a very strong headed person that has been through a lot in his life and that’s why he is the way he is. In his free time he does hair, so if you’re looking nappy or need a little work done because you’re scaring the 6th graders walking through the hall, hit him up on Facebook.If You see them in the hallways of McKeel, tell them “Hi!” because they are the Spotlight of the Week!
Brinae’ Wilkerson- 12th Grade
Brinae’ Wilkerson is a senior at McKeel Academy of Technology. She was born in Lakeland Florida and has been there all her life. Brinae’ has been playing basketball for McKeel since she was in the 6th grade. She is a very lovable and a fun person to be around. She enjoys cooking and eating as her hobbies. She also enjoys listening to music, and SHOPPING in her spare time. Her favorite colors are bright colors like neon pink, blue, yellow and orange. Her favorite subject is math. She loves being with her family and friends. So when you see her in the hallways of McKeel tell her “HI” because she is the Spotlight of the Week!
Mrs. Jones
Mrs. Elesha Jones is spotlight of the week not only because she is a great teacher but because she is the newest member of the McKeel nation family. This year is her first year teaching at McKeel. It is her first year teaching ever! And she is doing pretty well too. Mrs. Jones graduated from Southeastern University with a Communication degree in 1999. Since then, she worked for a non-profit agency as the Communication Specialist which was owned by her own advertising magazine. She designed various publications and written website copy and articles for clients all over the world. Even though it’s almost the ending of the school year; this year coming into McKeel Mrs. Jones is looking forward to sharing her passion of graphic design and knowledge of advertising. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband (who happens to be a teacher at McKeel also) and her two children. She also likes scrapbooking, reading, and playing the piano.
I hope she is feeling better! Zoe is a headstrong girl and everyone’s gotta love her for that. Go Zoe! (: See you in a couple of weeks.
nice pic jamar lol
I love Mckeel Academy! For many reasons, the most important reason is well you feel safe and ready to learn with the awesome staff that Mckeel has, only the best go to Mckeel! To thoughs who don’t like Mckeel you have no idea what you have. I came from Alumni, a school in Michigan, you don’t feel safe at all, people carry bricks in their backpacks just in case someone threats them. Mckeel the only thing you have to worry about is people not following diretions, that is a pain, I know but it is better than Michigan. I love Mckeel!
I love Mckeel, and of all the schools that i have been to, this is the best one yet. Im staying until i graduate, and not leaving at all.