Mrs. Julie Dees has been a valued member of the Branford High School family for 21 years and will begin her 29th year in education this fall. As our Culinary Arts Teacher, she shares her passion for cooking while helping students develop valuable life and career skills. Mrs. Dees is a graduate of Suwannee High School and continued her education through Santa Fe Community College, the University of Florida, Johnson & Wales University, and ProStart Culinary Teacher Institutes. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science Education. While in school, science was always her favorite subject.
During high school, Mrs. Dees was involved in both National Honor Society and FFA. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have become a Surgical Tech. Outside of school, she enjoys cooking and collecting cookbooks, hobbies that perfectly complement her work in the culinary classroom. Mrs. Dees has been married to her husband, Mark, for 34 years. Together they have two children, Courtney and Cody, and two grandchildren, Eli and Maddie, who bring great joy to their family.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Dees as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to her students, passion for culinary education, and years of service have made a lasting impact on countless BHS students
Mrs. Kelly Hunter serves as High School Guidance Counselor and is entering her second year at BHS. With 14 years of experience in education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for helping students achieve their goals. Mrs. Hunter is a graduate of Columbia High School and earned her Associate of Arts degree from Florida Gateway College, a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences from the University of Florida, and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Valdosta State University. Her favorite subject in school was Social Studies.
During high school, Mrs. Hunter was involved in soccer, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Dual Enrollment. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have become a Speech Language Pathologist. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on the Florida Gators, exercising, and relaxing at the beach.
Mrs. Hunter and her husband, Josh, are the proud parents of two young boys. Their oldest son is two and a half years old, and their youngest son was born at the end of May on a very special day—BHS graduation day! Their family also includes two dogs, Dan, a hound mix, and Millie, a Boykin/Brittany mix.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Hunter as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to supporting students, encouraging their success, and helping them plan for their futures makes a lasting impact on our school community.
Mrs. Mendy Sikes is entering her 15th year at Branford High School and her 20th year in education. As BHS's Dean of Discipline, she is dedicated to helping students grow, learn, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom. A proud Branford High School graduate, Mrs. Sikes earned her bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Florida State University. During her time as a student, her favorite classes were both Mr. Murfee's English class and PE.
While attending BHS, Mrs. Sikes stayed busy participating in volleyball, basketball, softball, track, cheerleading, dance team, and FCA. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have enjoyed working in entertainment and event planning. Outside of school, her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family.
Mrs. Sikes has been married to her husband, Slade, for 25 years, and together they have four children: Lachelle (24), Jessie (22), Thomas (18), and Lalyn (14).
We are thankful to have Mrs. Sikes as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to our students, commitment to building relationships, and genuine care for the Branford community make her an invaluable part of BHS.
Ms. Jennifer Winnett is entering her third year at Branford High School teaching 7th Grade Comprehensive Science and will begin her 22nd year in education this fall. A proud Branford High School graduate, Ms. Winnett earned her bachelor's degree from Florida State University and her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education. While science is her passion today, her favorite subject in school was English.
As a student at BHS, Ms. Winnett was involved in many activities, including serving as a Branford High Majorette on two National Championship teams, Dance Team, Beta Club, FHA, and Student Council. She also served as class vice president multiple times. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have been a full-time dog mom and professional makeup artist! Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, crafting, spending time with family, playing with her dogs, drinking coffee while reading a good book, and cheering on her beloved Seminoles.
Ms. Winnett and her fiancé, Ronald White, have raised three accomplished children together. Their daughter, Tiffanie Meyer, is a BHS and Flagler College graduate and now serves as an educator in Jacksonville. Their son, Trevon White, is a BHS graduate, lineman school graduate, and accomplished musician. Their youngest son, Wyatt Winnett, graduated from BHS in 2025, completed his AA degree from North Florida College, and will begin at Florida Polytechnic University this fall. Their home is also home to four dogs—Hank, a four-year-old Yorkie who runs the household, Labrador Retrievers Gracie and Luna, a Bull Mastiff/Great Dane mix named Bella, and a granddog named Livie.
We are thankful to have Ms. Winnett as part of the Buccaneer family. Her dedication to education, strong ties to the Branford community, and commitment to her students make her a valued member of our BHS team.
During high school, Coach Dettor was actively involved in football, lacrosse, and basketball. If he had chosen a different career path, he says he would have gone into real estate. Outside of school, he enjoys fishing, hunting, and spending time with family.
Coach Dettor and his wife, Mary, have three daughters—Hannah, Rachel, and Natalie—and are proud grandparents to their granddaughter, Briar. Their family also includes a dog named Rip. When asked what stands out most about Branford High School, Coach Dettor shared, "Branford High School is made up of wonderful people who care about the kids and want to do their part to help them be successful in life."
We are thankful to have Coach Dettor as part of the Buccaneer family and look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students both in the classroom and on the field.
During high school, Mrs. Longstreet was involved in Show Choir, Spanish Club, Academic Team, Spell Bowl, Soccer, and Sunshine Society. If she had chosen a different career path, she says she would have loved to be a writer or stand-up comedian! Outside of school, she enjoys reading (and recently completed her first Book Crawl), listening to history podcasts, watching movies, and hunting for shells at the beach.
Mrs. Longstreet is the proud mother of her son, Wrigley, who is beginning his career as a firefighter with Alachua County Fire Rescue. She is also a caregiver for her mother, a retired nurse. One of her favorite fun facts is about her dog, Dee, who loves fortune cookies and even waits patiently to hear her fortune read aloud before enjoying her treat. When asked what she likes most about Branford High School, Mrs. Longstreet shared that BHS reminds her of the school she attended growing up—a place where it's small enough that people know each other and feel connected.
We are thankful to have Mrs. Longstreet as part of the Buccaneer family!
Ms. Disken brings years of educational experience, strong leadership, and deep ties to the Branford community. Having previously served our students and staff, she is already a familiar face on campus, and we are excited for the future under her leadership.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. Carl Manna for his dedication and service to Branford High School. While we will miss his daily presence on campus, we wish him the very best as he begins his new role at the Suwannee County School District Office.
Please join us in congratulating both Mr. Manna and Ms. Disken on their new positions. We look forward to an exciting year ahead and are thrilled to have Ms. Disken back at BHS!
A decision will be made by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, regarding any changes to the scheduled ceremony.
If postponed, graduation will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 8:00 p.m.
Please stay tuned to the Branford High School website and Facebook page for the latest updates and announcements.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work to ensure a safe and memorable celebration for our graduates!
Class of 2032
President - Cutter McCormick
Vice-President - Raphalea Bellin
Representatives - Mallory Roberts and Elena Crossno
Class of 2031
President - Julia Lowkewicz
Vice-President - Zebree Phillips
Representatives - Olivia Cauley and August Jennings
Class of 2030
President - Jessie Huff
Vice-President - Oaklee Phillips
Representatives - Gordon Mielnicki and Jasmine Nunez
Class of 2029
President - Nick Gray
Vice-President - Chrishon Franklin
Representative - Calyssa Dicks
Class of 2028
President - Valerie DeAnda
Vice-President - Marisol DeAnda
Representatives - Mya Proesl and Ailine Morales
Class of 2027
President - Brianna Barrs
Vice-President - Ansleigh Young
Representatives - Chelsey Brown and Hayden Benson
Student Council Secretary / Treasurer - Sophia Olivia
Student Council Vice President - Bella Dicks
Student Council President - Ayden Humphries
These students have each left a lasting impact on BHS through their hard work, leadership, faith, and dedication both inside and outside of the classroom.
Valedictorians - Ryland Roush, Kasey Sapp, and Wren Wilkerson
Salutatorian - Jackson Skinner
Ryland will attend Southeastern University to study Psychology and Professional Counseling with the goal of one day working in Biblical Mental Health Counseling. Kasey plans to attend Bethel College of Music to continue pursuing a life devoted to worship ministry and sharing the Gospel through music and writing. Wren is headed to Faulkner University where she will play soccer while pursuing a degree in Biology before continuing on to medical school. Jackson plans to attend Santa Fe College to play baseball while beginning his path toward a career in nursing, with the ultimate goal of becoming a nurse anesthetist.
We are incredibly proud of these students and all they have accomplished during their time at BHS. Their futures are bright, and we can’t wait to see the impact they make in the world. Congratulations, Buccaneers!
As we wrap up the school year, we want to wish the very best to five longtime members of the BHS family as they prepare for retirement.
Thank you for the years of dedication, support, and care you’ve given to our students, staff, and community. Your impact on BHS over the years has meant more than words can say, and you will truly be missed around campus.
Wishing you all the happiness and relaxation that retirement brings — you’ve earned it!
