Celebrating Our Staff

PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR 2020

Toni-Ann Noyes

PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR 2019

Lisa Cropley

On behalf of the Hernando County School District, it is my pleasure to present Ms. Lisa Cropley as our 2019 Principal Leader of the Year. Highly regarded by her colleagues, Lisa is a leader who knows how to drive change and help schools get better no matter how sound their practices.

Because of her skill, experience and attention to data, we have called upon her to evaluate a low performing school and help implement effective interventions. That mentoring, partnership and guidance helped break the school’s slide toward failure, leading that school out of state accountability having earned a rating of “C” for 2018.

Lisa is a school leader who has never lost sight of being an educator. Though her leadership style is driven and focused on school improvement, her heart remains squarely dedicated to students. She leads a large magnet school and during her tenure, she has thoughtfully integrated new systems while nurturing school culture and ensuring staff relationships flourish.

Talented, smart and committed to “leading up”, Lisa represents her school district with honor, her profession with integrity and her school with pride. We are grateful to have her as an esteemed member of our school leadership.

Superintendent of the Hernando County School Disrict, John Stratton

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR 2019

Cari O'Rourke

TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2019

Justen Early

Friday, January 18th, the Hernando County Education Foundation hosted their annual Teacher of the Year ceremony recognizing all of the school nominees for 2019 and to announce the teacher who will represent Hernando as the District Teacher of the Year. Nature Coast Technical High’s teacher, Mr. Justen Early is that educator.

After attending Florida A&M, Early and his wife moved to Brooksville where he joined the NCTH Sharks in 2014. Early got the teaching bug when he first volunteered as a football coach at Central High, “I became invested in the player's success not only on the field, but also in the classroom. So, I decided my next step should be to enter the classroom!” Early said. Currently, Justen teaches Technology Support courses and coaches football.

“From the moment I met Justen, I knew he would be good for kids. He is genuine, kindhearted and completely focused on students. Coach Early is greatly appreciated at Nature Coast for his humble spirit and dedication,” NCTH Principal,Toni-Ann Noyes said.

“I would LOVE to thank my administration at Nature Coast Technical High School (Go Sharks!). I would also like to thank Mrs. Poluchowicz and Coach Story for their mentorship. Last but not least, I would like to thank my wonderful family for their love and support during this process,” Early said.

SCHOOL RELATED
EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR 2019

Brandy Figueroa

For most of the past 9 years, Brandy has been a part of the Challenger K-8 Navigator family. First, as a volunteer and then she began working in the school cafeteria, as a para-professional and substitute teacher. By 2016, Brandy had found her niche. She is the friendly, bubbly front office personality who welcomes all visitors to the school. A resident of Hernando County since 1987, Brandy attended Powell and West Hernando Middle School and is a proud Class of '94 graduate of Springstead High.

Her two children also attend CK8.

"People always tell me I should run for office. I did! The front office. I love my job and Challenger is like home for me"
~ Brandy Figueroa

THANK-A-TEACHER
RECIPIENTS