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Founders of McKeel Academy of Technology Recognized


Lakeland, FL  (August 29, 2013) - When McKeel Academy of Technology became the first conversion secondary charter school in the state of Florida in 1998, it was an exciting time for the teachers and staff who voted to join the charter school movement. Now 18 years later, McKeel Academy of Technology celebrated those staff members who were there from the beginning and are still part of the McKeel family today.


During the Founders Celebration held August 29, 2013, the founders were each presented with a marble trophy “For Sharing the Vision – It’s a Beautiful World”.  Of  the 18 founders, some have served  in their same position and some have advanced to leadership roles as the school has grown to a high-performing system of schools.  Those founders who were honored:

  • Seth McKeel, (volunteer) founding SAC member and current Trustee for The Schools of McKeel Academy
  • Harold Maready, founding principal who is now superintendent of The Schools of McKeel Academy
  • Alan Black, started as network administrator and is now the assistant superintendent
  • Joyce Powell, started as social studies teacher and current middle school director for South McKeel Academy
  • Sherry Jorris, Math teacher, now Instructional Technology Specialist
  • Beverly McLauchlin, Math teacher
  • Steve Viers, Social Studies teacher
  • Tawni Fishburn, paraprofessional to Language Arts teacher and Reading specialist
  • Tracey Hurt, Language Arts teacher
  • Sheila Booker, Health Science career teacher
  • Melissa Brady, English teacher
  • Rebecca Stacey, teacher in 6 certification areas currently middle grades Technology teacher
  • Matt Francis, Math teacher and now Math teacher, IT support & coach
  • Anne-Marie Hearn – Media specialist
  • Jean Eisenhardt, several administrative support positions now Athletic & Discipline Administrative Assistant
  • Jeanne Peace, Paraprofessional
  • Angie Loranger, Social Studies teacher and now middle grades Guidance counselor
  • Carol Williams, ESE paraprofessional


Not pictured:  Seth McKeel, Alan Black, Sherry Jorris & Sheila Booker.

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