Alee Academy is marking a milestone this year as it begins its tenth year of serving high school students in Lake County. The past ten years have been quite memorable as have each of the students who have successfully graduated from high school each year. Some of the high lights have been the recipient of the 2003 Crystal Star Award of Excellence in Dropout Prevention and in 2008 being recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools--Counsel on Accreditation and School Improvement as an "Accredited School." Accreditation means the Alee Academy meets the AdvancED standards, engages in continuous improvement, and demonstrates quality assurance through internal and external review. The standards are based in the research on the factors that impact student achievement. The accreditation process helps schools and districts bring together all the parts of the school or district to improve student and organizational performance. We are pleased to welcome you and your students back for another school year. We also look forward to a very successful and rewarding year working in concert with you--the parents--to assure your students continued learning and academic success.
The Alee Academy staff is comprised of a group of competent, caring, and committed individuals who are truly a team. Each and every staff member brings his or her own special gifts and talents to fulfill the vision of Alee Academy.
Mr. Allicock is a graduate of Jersey City University, with a Bachelor of Arts, Economics. He is a graduate of Long Island University where he received his Master of Arts, Economics. He is PhD candidate at Jackson Theological Seminary. He has lectured at Florida Southern College and has served as lecturer at Jersey City University. He has served as group counselor, anger management and behavior modification and driver improvement; counselor, librarian and correctional officer Georgia State Prison and Rahway State Prison; and research associate Chemical Bank. He also served in the Royal Air Force 1966 to 1972. He has 15 years experience as an ESE teacher in Lake County Schools. He is a fulltime substitute and has applied for this teaching certificate. Once this has been received, he is highly qualified. He and is currently teaching American History, American Government and Economics at the Eustis campus. He says, "I am truly blessed and my goal this year is help uplift everyone I come in contact with and to help each student be all they can be."
Ms. Blair returns to Alee Academy this year for her third year as public school teacher. She is a graduate of Clermont High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English-Creative Writing from Florida State University. Prior to teaching she worked for 17 years in the insurance and banking industries, before beginning a career in ministry in 2001. She attends Asbury Theological Seminary in Orlando and will be completing her Master of Divinity in December. She holds a temporary educator's certificate in English, grades 6-12 with ESOL endorsement and is working on her reading endorsement. She is highly qualified and currently is teaching English I, Creative Writing, and Intensive Reading. She is excited about the opportunities available to the students and looks forward to using all of her gifts, talents and experiences in this role.
Mr. Cain is a graduate of University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising and a minor in Business Administration. Mr. Cain comes from a family of educators. Both parents were administrators as well as his sister. He has worked for the Lake County School Board as a substitute teacher for nearly 2 years. Prior to teaching, Mr. Cain owned a small business retailing and wholesaling shoes and apparel from 1997-2009. He started his career at Kmart Corporation and has a successful run of six years before deciding to leave and start his own business. His certification is in Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum, ESE K-12, PreK-3, and Professional Ed. He joins Alee Academy this year. He is highly qualified and teaches the Intensive Math, Algebra 1A and 1B classes at the Umatilla Campus. His goal this year is to inspire and motivate the students while guiding and teaching them life skills.
Mr. Chernault is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute where he was member of the Corps of Cadets and the Regiment Band. He has done graduate studies at both Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. He has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He worked in Montgomery County Virginia for 31 years serving as a classroom teacher of mathematics, science, reading, history, language arts, physical education, psychology, sociology, human relations, computer applications, small motor mechanics and assorted building trades. He has also taught in Seminole County schools and Lake County schools. He is currently the organist for St. Edward Episcopal Church of Mt. Dora, keyboard/piano player for L.C. Swing Orchestra and principal oboists for Lake Concert Band. He has a professional educator's certificate in middle grades integrated curriculum grades 5-9. He is highly qualified and is currently teaching World Geography, World History, American History and Mathematics at night. His goal this year is make Social Studies and math a more relevant part of their education as well as their day-to-day lives.
Ms. Delmolino is the School Counselor for both campuses. She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in School Guidance Counseling. She has her Professional Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education and School Counseling K-12. She is highly qualified. Her experience includes thirty years in Lake County School District teaching fourth grade and counseling at Mt. Dora High and Umatilla Middle School. Her goal this year is to increase student dual enrollment at Lake Sumter Community College and Lake Technical Center including a career plan for all students.
Ms. Emerick is returning to alee Academy for her third year. A 1996 graduate of Umatilla High School, Ms. Emerick received her Bachelor's degree in General Studies from Indiana University. She has been an elementary and high school teacher working with alternative and mainstream students. She has also served as a corrections officer working with the juvenile court and juvenile probation department. She is highly qualified and is currently teaching English and intensive reading. She has received her ESOL endorsement and is pursuing her reading endorsement. She has a love for teaching and working with students of all ages. Her goal is to share her knowledge and experiences while creating an environment that is conducive to learning both academic and life skills, while building a better future for the students.
Ms. L'Heureux is a graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She began a career in mental health and the medical field in Indiana. Upon her move to Florida in 2003, she continued her medical training and graduated from Lake Technical School in 2005. After a brief stint in nursing, Ms. L'Heureux decided to pursue her true calling and obtained her teaching certification from Lake Sumter Community College in the Educator Preparation Institute program with UCF. Ms. L'Heureux comes to us with certifications in English 6-12, Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum, Exceptional Student Education. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in English and her reading endorsement. She is highly qualified and is currently teaching English and intensive reading at the Eustis Campus. She is excited to be a part of the Alee Academy family and looks forward to a school year rich in experiences and learning.
Ms. Mann holds many degrees. Her degrees include Associates in Science, Liberal Arts/Equine Science; Bachelor of Science, Animal Science; Bachelor of Arts, Microbiology; Master of Science, Food Science; and Master of Education, Grades 6-12, Science. She has 20 years experience as a scientist in research and development in the food industry for Fortune 500 companies. Her teaching experiences include University of New Hampshire, Electron Microscopy lab; Iowa State University, Food Engineering lab; middle and high school science teacher in Tennessee; and Alee Academy science teacher. She has a professional educator's certificate in Biology, grades 6-12. She is highly qualified and is currently teaching biology, and environmental science. Her goal this year is to make science more available by differentiating instruction and increasing involvement through hands-on learning.
Mr. Nist is a graduate from Daytona Beach Community College in 1998 with his Associate in Arts. He then went to University of North Florida for a year before he transferred to the University of Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science, Science Education with a Biology focus. He is currently enrolled at the University of Maryland working towards his Master of Education, Life Science. He began as a substitute teacher in 2000 and accepted a fulltime teaching position in 2004. He holds a professional educator's certificate in Biology, grades 6-12. He is highly qualified and is currently teaching Physical and Earth Space Science. He has two goals this year. His first goal is to complete his master's degree. His second goal is to make science come to life for his students.
Ms. Pechart is a graduate of Polk County Community College and the University of Central Florida. She has worked as a pre-cast and residential architectural drafter. She has taught mathematics at Carver Middle School in Orange County and Milwee Middle School in Seminole County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. She has completed all of the requirements and is awaiting the receipt of her Professional Teaching Certificate. She is highly qualified. Her background and computer skills have assured her qualifications as a computer instructor. She is actively engaging the students in work related computer skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Florida Ready Work -- Work Keys. Her goal this year is to develop the students' academic, personal and work force skills, thus enhancing their academic success and employment opportunities.
Mr. Rogers is a graduate of United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. He also has Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of South Dakota. He is highly qualified and is currently teaching Algebra 1B, Informal Geometry, Geometry and Algebra II at the Eustis campus. His goal this year is to provide the necessary guidance so that all his students have the prerequisite skills to pass the Math FCAT. Mr. Rogers enjoys scuba diving, sailing, and lifting weights.
Ms. Segrest is a graduate of Murray State University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Park and Recreation Administration with a Minor in Health Education. She has worked as a substitute teacher in Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties. She has been an Assistant ESE Teacher at Umatilla High School. She has a temporary educator's certificate in Health and also has her food handler's license. She is our Health Education and Personal Career teacher and is highly qualified. Her goal this year is assist the students in gaining knowledge relating to health and food science, which will make a lasting impact on their lives.
Ms. Wilt is a graduate of the University of South Florida, with a Bachelor of Arts, English and graduate of University of Central Florida, Master of Education, Reading Education. She is member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She has 22 years teaching experience in public schools and 3 years as adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida. She also has work experience in public relations, speech writing for Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Association and American Red Cross. She has a professional educator's certificate in English, grades 6-12, and Reading K-12. She is highly qualified and is currently teaching English III and IV. Ms. Wilt's goal this year is to create life-long learners and enthusiastic readers. She is hopeful that through her studies she will engage her students in the arts and writing as well.
Mrs. Chernault is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Fredonia where she majored in Music Education and minored in Elementary Education. She received her Master of Science in Education from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Mrs. Chernault taught music in New York, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, and Florida. She was a classroom teacher in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida. Her certification includes Elementary K-6, ESOL and ESE K-12. She is highly qualified and coordinates the instruction of ESE students on both campuses. Being semi-retired she enjoys playing clarinet in the Lake Concert Band, plays organ at church and travels.
Ms. Cina is a certified Paraprofessional and Food Service manager. She currently operates Alee Academy's Southside Eatery.
Mr. Gillman is a graduate of Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is working on fulfilling the requirements for his Masters Degree in Leadership and Professional Certification. He will be working at the Umatilla Campus as an instructional support for the classroom teachers.
Mr. Hutto attended Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He is currently enrolled at Columbia College in Orlando, Florida working on his Bachelors Degree. He has been with Alee Academy since November 2000. He has a true passion for working with at-risk youth and he thanks God for giving him the ability to do so. His goal this year is to continue to strive to make a difference in the lives of the students at Alee Academy. He will be working at the Eustis Campus.
Mr. Walker graduated from Tavares High School and attended Valencia Community College and Baptist College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. He then spent four years in the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman aboard the USNS TAH-20 Comfort. He returned to Florida in 1990 starting a career working with today's youth. He has spent the last seventeen years serving juveniles, abused and neglected, emergency shelter and independent living clients. His strengths are relationship building, patience and love. At Alee Academy he began as the Career Specialist working closely with the students on their job skills and as they seek employment. This year he is will be supporting the HOPE--Health Options and Physical Education at the Umatilla Campus. His goal remains as it has always been, "if you send them, we will teach them and He will bless them."
Mr. Neeld is the director of Alee Academy. He is a graduate of Miami Dade Community College with an Associate in Science, Business Administration and Fort Lauderdale College, Bachelor of Science, Management. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He currently is pursuing his Master of Education at Regis University, which he will complete in December 2009. He spent four years in the United States Marine Corps before returning to Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph. He later retired from AT&T after nearly 30 years of successfully managing telephone installation and repair information systems, management information systems, and quality assurance control teams. Trusting in God, he was led to a call in the mission field. The mission field was right here in Lake County. He is one of three visionaries who turned an idea into reality of what is now known as Alee Academy. He believes in helping students set goals and then works with them to assure they are successful. His hope this year is that all students will develop "social cognition," or learning how to live productively and constructively in society.
Mr. Bob is an administrator at the Eustis Campus. He is a graduate of Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science, Political Science, Public Administration and a minor in History. He spent ten years in the United States Army as a Captain. He was an ESE teacher at Carver Middle School and a Dean at Eustis Middle School. He has spent time as a Mental Health Counselor, Life Stream Behavior Center and Foster Care/Adoptions Counselor. He has served as City Commissioner, Eustis, Florida. He is also a pastor. He has a professional educator's certificate in Social Science, grades 6-12 and is enrolled in his Masters of Educational Leadership at Regis University. His goal this year is to increase parent involvement in school activities as well as raising public awareness of the mission and success of Alee Academy.
Ms. Valentino is a graduate of Ohio Northern University and has a Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education. She is also a graduate of Walsh University, where she obtained a Master of Education Degree. She has been a teacher for 9 years and is licensed as a teacher in both Ohio and Florida. She has a professional educator's certificate in Elementary Education, grades K-6 and Middle Grades Mathematics, grades 5-9. This is her first year as the site administrator of the Umatilla Campus. Her goal this year is to learn and grow as an administrator to influence our students to become productive, contributing members of society.
Mr. Efant is the system administrator for Alee Academy. He attended Alee Academy before returning to Eustis High School where he graduated in May of 2000. He is a graduate of Daytona Beach Community College with an Associate in Science with Honors, Computer Programming and Analysis. The School of Technology and Occupational Education also recognized him as the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award. He has worked at Alee Academy since his graduation from high school establishing the school's data network as well as building classroom computers and network servers. He is truly a one of Alee Academy's success stories.
Ms. Olson is the Data Clerk for Alee Academy. She has been a part of the Alee Academy team since the school's beginning in 1999. At the time she was working fulltime at Umatilla Middle School as their Data Clerk as she worked as part-time for Alee Academy assisting in the startup. She has since retired after nineteen years from Lake County School Board and now works Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Alee Academy. She has been instrumental in the tracking student data and information from enrollment, credits earned, reporting of grades, Full Time Equivalent (FTE) and graduation.
Ms. Ostic is the receptionist at the Eustis Campus, Transportation Coordinator and a bus driver for Alee Academy. She has been with Alee Academy since 2001. She has experience as a routing coordinator for Lake Limo, dispatcher for Lake Limo, chauffer, and a bus driver for Lake County School Board. She is at the front desk at the Eustis Campus meeting and greeting everyone as they enter the administrative offices.
Ms. Sceal is the receptionist at the Umatilla Campus and a bus driver for Alee Academy. She has been with Alee Academy since 2004. She worked as an Activity Director for Lake Ridge Village and bus driver for 5 years, at Sunrise Arc as Behavioral Tech, completed Road Master Truck Driving Schools with a Class A driving license, a Lake County Schools bus driver and monitor before joining our team She is at the front desk at the Umatilla Campus meeting and greeting each person as they enter the front door.
Ms. Tabor is a bus driver at Alee Academy. She has been with Alee Academy since 2001. She worked at Lake County Schools as a school bus driver for fifteen years and as a cafeteria worker at Umatilla Middle School.
Mr. McCracken is a bus driver at Alee Academy. He just joined the staff of Alee Academy this school year. He worked as Program Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club of North Lake County. He is also an Associate Pastor at gospel Tabernacle in Umatilla. Shawn has a wonderful wife and two children.
Mr. Eiserman is a maintenance man at Alee Academy. He has been with Alee Academy since 2006. He has served in the United States Air Force and worked at Winn Dixie as meat cutter before joining our team.
Mr. Trewyn is a maintenance man at Alee. He has been with Alee Academy since the summer of 2004. He began as a student at Alee Academy in 2001 transferring from a Lake County School. He completed his high school studies and graduated from Alee Academy in May of 2004. The following summer, he then began his career with Alee Academy. He is experienced in small engine mechanics, floor maintenance and all sorts of power tools. It has been said and noted that if it has wheels or tracks, he can operate or drive it.