Welcome New Staff To Traviss
Celebrating 52 years 1964 - 2016 Polk County, Florida
September-October 2016
September2014
Traviss Technical College, A Polk County Public School
M
r. Wilson has
been a dean for
six years. Prior to
Traviss, he was the dean
for Lakeland Highlands
Middle School. Prior to
becoming a dean, he was
a fourth grade teacher
at Winston Elementary.
He earned his bachelor
at Warner Southern University and completed his
Master’s Program at Nova
Southeastern University
in education leadership.
Mr. Wilson brings a great
deal of positive energy to
Traviss, has high hopes
for the students, and feels
very welcomed. Mr. Wilson’s goal for this year is
to reduce the number of
referrals compared to last
year. What do you expect
from the students this
year? “For them to give
their best and accomplish
the goals they have set,
and to stay focused and
remind themselves each
day why they’re here.” said
Mr. Wilson. When asked
what your favorite quote is,
his response was “If you
believe, you can achieve.”
M
ichael Hayde is
our newest U.S
history teacher.
Before coming to Traviss
he taught at Fort Meade
Middle-Senior High School
for 19 years. Mr. Hayde
received his B.A in U.S.
History at Framingham
State University in 1992,
and then his Master in
Education at University of
Massachusetts in 1995.
Mr. Hayde is married to
his wife Nikki; they have
two children Joseph (9)
and Audrey (6). When
asked about his goals he
planned to accomplish this
year, Hayde responded
“for every U.S. History
student to pass the EOC;
every G.E.D. student to
pass to help them become
successful in life.” When
asked what he liked most
about Traviss, Hayde commented “he values that the
students here have clear
goals and plans for their
future career paths.”
D
aphne Hargrove
is a Publix retiree since 2007
as well as a mother
of seven, six adopted children and one
child of her own. She
is loving the work she
does here as a para in
Automotive because it
gives her more family
time than her previous
employment. She said,
“Over the years, I have
learned that nothing is
more important compared to family.” Ms.
Hargrove loves football,
the beach, exercising,
cooking (BBQ), and
sitting on her patio with
a cup of coffee. When
asked if she had any
words of wisdom for the
students, she replied,
“Take education seriously because it could
be a life changer and
could make a difference
in your lifestyle.”
M
r. Hendrix is a new
English teacher at
Traviss Technical
College. Before he came to
Traviss he worked at Bartow
High School, Tenoroc High
School, McKeel Academy
and Kathleen Middle School.
He brings a great deal of experience to Traviss. Mr. Hendrix received his B.A. in English from Lynchburg College
and he earned a Masters
of Education in Educational
Leadership from Stetson
University. Mr. Hendrix is
married, and he and his wife
have three daughters and a
dog named Samson. When
asked if he has any words of
wisdom for his students, Mr.
Hendrix responded, “Push
yourself. Challenge yourself.
Make yourself better!” Mr.
Hendrix’s goals are to teach
his students to be life-long
learners and to be the best
teacher that he can be. Regarding Traviss Technical
College, Mr. Hendrix said “he
loves the family like environment, small classes, great
staff and students.” One of
the reasons why Mr. Hendrix
came to Traviss is because
a new opportunity presented
itself to him.One of Mr. Hendrix’s favorite quotes is “True
humility is not thinking less of
yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”- C.S. Lewis.
Traviss Times is proudly produced by the Academy of Digital Productions (ADP). Student Reporters and Photographers: Katie Shivler, Editor, Reporters: Cheyenne DeHart,
Breanna Griffin, Jocelin Willey. Photographers: Nadia Fouts, Jasmine Johnston, Jordan Gilbert and Cheyenne DeHart. English Dept.: Judy Clark, English Teacher. Traviss
Times Adviser/Instructor: Lori Proctor. For more information Traviss Times contact: (863)499-2700 ext. 293, or email: [email protected]. Traviss Career Center is accredited by: The Commission of the Council on Occupational Education, 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350. Telephone: (800) 917-2081Tollfree, or (770)396-3898; Fax: (770) 396-3790, http://www.council.org And, AdvancED/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and
School Improvement, 9115 Westside Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30009. Telephone: (888)413-3669. Website: http://www.advanc-ed.org
School Board of Polk County, 1915 South Floral Avenue, Bartow, Florida 33830, (863)534-0500. Jacqueline Byrd, Superintendent.
The Mission of Polk County Public Schools is to provide a high quality education for all students.
Traviss Technical College is dedicated to the concept of equal opportunity and will provide services for persons with disabilities. We will not discriminate or harass
on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical disability, homelessness, marital or parental status in employment practices, or in the admission,
treatment or termination of students in any program or service. Traviss Technical College fully complies with all equal opportunity and affirmative action laws and
regulations. If services are required, please contact the Director, Dr. Wayne Dickens at (863) 499-2700 ext. 233 or the School Board of Polk County’s Office of Equity
& Compliance in the Human Resource Services Division at (863) 534-0513. If you require any type of accommodation to complete the application process due to a
disability, please call the School Board of Polk County’s Human Resource Services Division at (863) 534-0781. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, please contact
the Polk School District by calling Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771.
3225 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33803 (863) 499-2700 www.traviss.edu
BONNIE GAYNAIR
B
EARNS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
onnie Gaynair has been a school social worker at Traviss for the
past seven years. Prior to Traviss, Gaynair worked eleven years as
a case manager, before moving onto working for the school system
for twenty-three years. She is also blessed to have a wonderful husband
who is the Attendance Dean at Lakeland High School. While dealing with
a busy school life Mrs. Gaynair manages to still make time for her son and
her three grandkids that live a mile from her current home. When asked
how she felt about receiving this award she simply stated “It’s honoring
and humbling.”Everyday Mrs. Gaynair lives by one of her favorite quotes,
“People need loving the most when they deserve it the least”- John Harrigan.
SHARON ERB
EARNS SCHOOL RELATED EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR
S
haron Erb is one of two secretaries in Student Services. Mrs. Erb has
been back at Traviss since 2014. She was previously employed at
Traviss from 1996-2002 and took a hiatus to be a stay at home grandmother. Some of her duties include meeting and greeting the public whether
in person or on the phone and relaying registration requirements, assisting in
registration of high school and adult students, maintaining student files. One
of the best parts of Mrs. Erb’s job is being able to see adult students come
back to school and change their lives. Mrs. Erb is a widow and a mother of
one daughter, Jennifer Hancock, who is the principal at Polk City Elementary
School. Mrs. Erb has two beautiful granddaughters, Kaiden, 12 and Alaney,
9. Her hobbies include quilting, crafting and cooking. Mrs. Erb enjoys her job at Traviss and the interaction
with all her co-workers. She has plans to retire in 4 years (maybe). Mrs. Erb thanks all the staff for the vote of
confidence in her work. Mrs. Erb likes the quote, “Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start,
anyone can start from now and make a brand- new ending.” Carl Bard
N
G.E.D. EXCELLENCE
ick Glover, G.E.D. student, recently passed all 4 parts
of the GED exam and his FCAT reading. The 4 parts
Nick passed include: Math, Science, Social Studies,
Language Arts. Nick is enrolled in the automotive program
and will continue the program as an adult while tutoring other
students who need to pass the G.E.D. in order to further their
education or career.
Way to go Nick!! Congratulations!!
Around Campus:
Business Professionals of
America Installs New Officers
B
PA OFFICERS: Pictured from left to right Heather Perkins, Advisor, Brittany Ciersi, Vice
President, Lindsey Fowler, Treasurer, Hunter
Krank, President, Alondra Tapia, Secretary, Tamia
Louis, Historian, Marilyn Cubela, Secondary President, Kent Williston, Advisor.
Health Occupation Student
Association Club (HOSA)
HOSA Out and About
S
everal members of
the Traviss HOSA
Club attended the
Fall Conference at Winter Haven High School
on Sat. Sept. 24th, 2016.
Shown is Johnna Hunter
who was awarded with a
2016-17 Regional Scholarship award for Regional
Competition!! Also shown
is Karlee Halbert &
Cheyenne Taylor as they
compete in ankle wrapping ice breaker game.
Future Business Leaders
of America New Members
Harrell Says “Goodbye & Hello” To Retirement
M
r. Harrell has been teaching high school and adult students at Traviss for 21 years.
Mr. Harrell’s career began as a Boiler Maker in the Metal Construction Industry. As a
Boiler Maker, Mr. Harrell built water & storage containers all across the United States.
Mr. Harrell has 2 daughters, and is married to his wife Helena. They have a Chocolate
Sphinx cat named Benzie. Mr. Harrell is looking forward to retirement and celebrating his first
day on a boat fishing. Fishing & golfing are two of his favorite enjoyments of life. When asked
about any words of wisdom for his co-workers, Mr. Harrell replied, “Patience! Save some for
your old age because you’ll need it!” Throughout his teaching career, he did so much for his
students, and he will be seriously missed.
S
Sneak Peek at Save a Life Saturday’s
ave a Life Saturday’s are offered through Citizen CPR Inc. and held twice a year. The
venue varies depending on availability. The venue where those pictures were taken
was PSC in Winter Haven. They have trained over 80 people in CPR that day. Attendees ranged in age from 12 to 80. Mr. Williston started teaching CPR here in Lakeland
in 1994 and taught for the community about every other month. He tell folks, “I do that so
there will be someone in the crowd who knows CPR when I need it.” But, really, he enjoys
the contact with the students who are interested in what he have to offer. It has been very
gratifying when he learn of a Save Day conducted by one of his students. The steps involved have changed markedly over the years, and now the class that used to take eight
hours can be taught in as little as three. Along the way their survival rate for those needing
CPR has also improved. Besides teaching CPR and First Aid, Mr. Williston is an Instructor
Trainer teaching and monitoring new and recertifying CPR/First Aid Instructors. Citizen CPR Inc. offers monthly classes
for the public in CPR and First Aid and will also set up private classes.Call (863) 680-1277 for more information.
Honoring Interim Excellence
O
FBLA members pictured from left to right:
Jordan Gilbert, Jasmine Johnson, Nadia
Fouts, Mikalya White, Katie Shivler. They are
looking forward to making the future a better
H
osa members pictured from bottom to top:
Deanna Perez, Kamilishka Ramos, Brenda
Perez, Karlee Halbert, Cherri Scott, Breanna Kenna, Amber Adams, Cheyenne Taylor, Josey
Tew, Johnna Hunter, Josefa Vargas, Emily Azuara,
Victoria Carpenter, Devon Howard, Michael Tillman,
Meyvi Hernandez, Erica Castro, Allie Thrift, Catherine
McBroom, Marisol Ramirez, Sarah Malek (Advisor).
Not Pictured: Sylvia Hayward, Ian Pravato, Margaret
Pravato, Luz Santiaso, Adriana Rosales, Hannah
Beascoechea.
Save the Dates:
Open House October 20th
Picture Day November 8th
Dr. Dickens Visits Childcare
Recently,
Dr. Dickens
spent time
with children
on the playground in
our childcare
facility. Pictured Jordan
Kemp, caregiver, standing with Makenzie Plummer while she high
fives Dr. Dickens. The children enjoyed his
company during recess.
n Sept. 13th, Mr. Wiggs, Ms. Salyers &
Mr. Wildes hosted an Honor Roll preview celebration for students who made
all A’s & B’s on their interim progress report.
“Just a little thank you with donuts and kudos
from administration,” said Ms. Salyers.
Salyers also stated, “If students enjoyed this
one, they will love the extreme Honor Roll party
after the 1st 9 weeks.” Congratulations to the
following students: Amber Adams, Vonshear
Adams, Zachary Adams, Nathaniel Alfaro,
Emily Azuara, Nicolas Bazzel, Nathaniel
Bence, Amy Benitez, Kaylee Bonen, Maxwell
Borchers, Andrew Brower, Barbie Busch,
Jasmin Carrillo, Alma Chavez-Martinez, Mireya
Chavez-Martinez, Brandon Cobb, Marilyn
Cubela, Joshua Davis, Myer Davis, Bryanna
DeLaCruz, David Esquivel, Dylan Estrada,
Joshua Fernandez, Christopher Fiveash, Adriel
Fuentes, Dalton Glover, Cason Grainger, Kaonis Green, Breanna Griffin, Cordell Grooms, Karlee Halbert, Justin Hall,
Analinda Hernandez, Meyvi Hernandez, Alana Hinson, Colby Hudson, Trevor Hughes, Breanna Kenna,
Devon Krzyzaniak, Courtney Lashman, James Lowery, Kiara Lyons, John Matthews, Harrison McCoy, Kurt McDonald,
Gabriel Molina, Santos Morales-Ramos, Christopher Novak, Dustin Patterson , Emily Perdomo, Brenda Perez,
Allysa Peterson, Alyssa Purdy, Kamilishka Ramos-Velazquez, Keith Rhoden, Micheal Rosario, Luz Santiago Lopez,
Tyler Schultz, Cherri Scott , Kaitlan Shirah, Katie Shivler, Marshall Simmons, Jordan Sutley, Dalton Swonger, Jamie
Thelen, Micheal Tillman, Brian Velez, Calvin Whistin, and Craig Wills. Hope to see you all at the Honor Roll party!