SAD NEWS: In Memory of Mr. Jerry Smith, High School Teacher

Sunrise Academy is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved High School Teacher, Mr. Jerry Smith.

Mr. Smith has been a pillar at Sunrise Academy for almost 8 years. He was here through so many stages of the school’s growth, never wavering in his dedication to the school and his students. 

He was an outstanding teacher who cared very deeply about the success and wellbeing of each and every one of his students.  We could always count on him to be here, present, and willing to do everything necessary to carry out the mission of the school.

We will all miss him very much and will spend many difficult moments grieving his loss.

Mr. Smith was a devoted husband, father, and friend to so many. His work family loved his cool, friendly presence, and looked forward to the daily positive interactions.

He prided himself in maintaining an active lifestyle as he loved playing softball and traveling to play in games.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Contacts:

Yahayra Marte, Head of School: ymarte@sunriseacademy.education

Shellnisha Franklin, Executive Director: sfranklin@sunriseacademy.education

Dawn Melani, Principal: dmelani@sunriseacademy.education

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SUFS RISING STAR NOMINEES

Sunrise Academy is pleased to announce the nominees for Step Up For Students annual Rising Star Awards.

Each year, up to 3 students enrolled in the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC), Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Opportunities (FES-EO), Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA), or Hope Scholarship can be nominated for an award.

Schools can nominate students in the following categories:

Outstanding Character Award. This recognizes students who demonstrate

outstanding compassion, perseverance, courage, initiative, respect, fairness, integrity, responsibility, honesty or optimism.

Turnaround Student Award. These recipients have made notable gains/improvements since enrolling at their school.

High Achievement Award. This honor is given to a student who excels in a specific area such as academics, athletics or the arts.

Super Senior Award. This award is for seniors that demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, community service and/or extra-curricular activities.

This year, Sunrise Academy has nominated three students for an award, Mariah Brown (Top Left), Julius Bundy (Middle Left), and Ketly-Ann Torres (Bottom Left).

We look forward to celebrating their accomplishment at the awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 30th at Center Academy-Maitland.

Contacts:

Yahayra Marte, Head of School: ymarte@sunriseacademy.education

Shellnisha Franklin, Executive Director: sfranklin@sunriseacademy.education

Dawn Melani, Assistant Principal: dmelani@sunriseacademy.education

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Sunrise Academy Chorus

Sunrise Academy is pleased to announce the beginning of Sunrise Academy Chorus, a musical group where students can come together to share their love of singing.

Sunrise Academy Chorus is a wonderful opportunity for creativity and fun as the students explore large-group singing. Students are provided with the opportunity to further develop singing skills by learning how to properly use their voice as well as performance techniques in preparation for spring, graduation, and holiday performances.

Upper elementary and middle school students, who enjoy singing, are encouraged to join chorus. Chorus rehearsals take place on select early release Fridays from 1:30PM-2:30PM and during designated homeroom blocks.

For students interested in joining chorus, please see one of the coordinators, Ms. Bedenbaugh, Ms. Grimes, or Ms. Dawson.

Contacts:

Cheryl Bedenbaugh, Assistant Principal: cbedenbaugh@sunriseacademy.education

Tameka Averett-Grimes, Office Specialist: tgrimes@sunriseacademy.education

Elaine Dawson, Elementary Teacher: edawson@sunriseacademy.education

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